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The African Union-United Nations Acting Joint Special Representative and Joint Chief Mediator a.i. for Darfur, Abiodun Bashua, participated in the opening session of the negotiations between the Government of Sudan and non-signatory Darfuri movements in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 23 November.

The opening session was chaired by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, the Chairman of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), and attended by representatives from the African Union (AU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Government of Sudan, Sudan Liberation Army/Minni Minawi and Justice and Equality Movement/Gibril.

Having thanked the Government of Ethiopia and the AU for sponsoring the negotiations, President Mbeki welcomed the start of discussions between the Government of Sudan and the movements to end the conflict in Darfur in collaboration with the UN, UNAMID and IGAD.

He also indicated that the national dialogue initiative announced by President Bashir earlier this year provides the opportunity for a comprehensive and inclusive process to address all the challenges facing by Sudan, and how welcome this call has been to the AUHIP and the entire international community in facilitating a holistic approach to deal with all challenges including the conflict in Darfur.

Cognisant of the challenges ahead, both the Government of Sudan and the movements reiterated their principal positions and their commitment for a negotiated end to the Darfur conflict through dialogue and peaceful means.

President Mbeki wished the parties success in the negotiations and encouraged them to overcome challenges and differences to create an environment that is conducive for peace.

Issued by UNAMID