Firepower needed to keep Darfur peace - Blair

Peacekeeping forces in Darfur must have the arms needed to enforce a truce there, Prime Minister Tony Blair said Wednesday. AP report May 9, 2006:

A UN Security Council meeting has demanded that rebel groups in Darfur join the peace deal signed last week.

Blair, asked about the deal during his weekly House of Commons question session, said it was crucial that Sudan drop its long-standing opposition to letting the United Nations take control of the force of 7,200 African Union peacekeepers in Darfur.

Sudan has said that the peace deal has largely addressed its objections to that transfer of power.

"Secondly, we have to make sure that in the new force that is deployed we have sufficient firepower that we are able to make sure that any agreement is properly policed," Blair said. "And we are looking at this now, urgently, with particularly the United States of America but other NATO partners to see what more we can do."

"The situation in Sudan is very, very serious indeed, there are thousands of people dying needlessly," he said.

Blair said the troubles in Darfur underlined the need for a standing peacekeeping force for Africa.

"In the end the problem in these situations is not just humanitarian, it’s that unless the opposing sides can be kept apart - and that requires military force - it’s very, very difficult for the humanitarian aid to be effective," he said.

May 11 2006 AFP Firepower needed to keep Darfur peace - Blair

UN calls on Sudan to send food aid to Darfur

The UN humanitarian chief called on Sudan to send food aid to Darfur, saying Tuesday that promised international aid would not reach there in time to stave off imminent shortages, Associated Press reported May 9, 2006, excerpt:

Jan Egeland spoke to reporters in Khartoum after returning from a tour of Darfur that was marred by rioting by refugees during a visit to their camp. The refugees attacked a translator in Egeland's entourage, believing he was with the feared Janjaweed militia, then killed a translator working for African Union peacekeepers.

Egeland warned that Darfur is facing food shortages over the next five months because of the rainy season and that Western donations will take time to reach the region. "This year, donors were too late," he said, adding that some had been unaware of the problems raised by the rainy season, when

"I have come with a strong appeal to the govenment" to provide food aid from its strategic stocks to get through "this crucial hunger gap." He said some 40,000 tons a month were needed. (ST/AP)

Interview with SLM leader Abdelwahid Muhammad Nur

Asharq Alawsat Newspaper interview with Leader of the SLM Abdelwahid Muhamed El Nur May 9, 2006 by Aidroos Abdelaziz, excerpt:

Abdelwahid Muhammad Nur, leader and founder of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLA), has launched a scathing attack on "the peace agreement in Darfur," which the Sudanese Government and the wing which split from the SLA, led by Mini Arkoi Minawi, signed in Abuja last Friday. He said the agreement does not fulfill even 1 percent of the aspirations of the Sudanese people in Darfur.

Nur told Asharq al-Awsat that he will "absolutely" not sign this agreement unless radical changes are introduced into it. He, however, stressed that he is for peace and is committed to the two cease-fire agreements signed in Abuja and N'djamena. He said he will not carry arms against anyone, but he will not stop his peaceful struggle.

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Photo: Darfur rebel group SLM leader Abdelwahid Muhammad Nur

May 9 2006 Sudan Tribune Darfur main rebel faction may reject the signed accord - In an Arabic language letter addressed to the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan by the political advisor and Foreign Secretary of the rebel group, Ibrahim Ahmed Ibrahim, the SLM said today that the signing of its leader on the document of Darfur Peace agreement was done under unusual conditions.

South Darfur: UN evacuates Kalma Camp, after attack

UN humanitarian chief Jan Egeland, aid workers and journalists were forced to evacuate a refugee camp in Darfur on Monday May 8 after a demonstration spun out of control and an aid worker was attacked.

The melee at the Kalma Camp in South Darfur occurred after thousands of Darfuris were protesting to demand international troops be posted there to protect them. Full report Reuters May 8, 2006.

Intermission

Rest break. Back soon.

Sudan news updates at POTP and CFD and Sudan Tribune.



Photo: Amani Bashir, left, and Taiba Mohamed both of the main rebel Sudan Liberation Army (SLA), at a peace talks meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, Friday, May 5 2006. Sudan's government and the main Darfur rebel group signed a peace plan Friday, marking major progress in an internationally backed effort to end the death and destruction in western Sudan. (AP Photo/George Osodi)
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THREE INSIGHTFUL BLOG ENTRIES BY DRIMA aka SUDANESE THINKER

Thursday 4 May Abuja Talks: No Progress Yet

Yup, unfortunately there's nothing new. Seems like this is going to end up where it started and probably even worse. The rebels are still begging and pleading to America oh great America for help. They want what most hungry people want... more, more & MORE! Unsatisfied with the conditions, they still refuse to sign the draft and want changes made. What's nicer to know is that it seems all along they were unhappy with the talks (that's right for the past 2 years) and actually wanted them to be mediated by the UN or US instead of AU.

I thought the rebels actually cared about their people and would have signed imediately. Apparently they don't. Their hatred for the Khartoum government is intense and is not going away anytime soon. They're intent on giving them a real headache.

The rebels don't want to compromise as the Khartoum government already has by offering to sign. The rebels want to be stubborn... stubborn at the expense of the lives of their own people.

Hi, I'm mister rebel... I'm hungry... Khartoum government don't give me money... I want food... They don't give... Waa... I tink I betta start war... Kill kill kill... people pay attention and then I take power...

1- Khartoum government must seriously come up with a long term plan for the development of the impoverished regions in Sudan or else this is going to continue to happen.

2- The rebels must stop pretending they're fighting against the Khartoum government for the cause of their people. They're only fighting for themselves.

SIGN DAMN IT!

Friday May 5 YES THEY'RE GOING TO SIGN!

Aaaah Finally! This is truly a happy day for me and many other people. The main and most powerful rebel group has agreed together with the Khartoum government on a Darfur peace deal. This could not have happened if it wasn't for the efforts on all sides and the compromises that the Khartoum government made. Only 2 small rebel groups haven't signed yet but nevertheless a peace can now be easily secured and things can go back to normal.

But wait... normal? This whole thing started because the rebels weren't happy with the "normal" conditions. The whole region was and still is impoverished. Now is the time to seriously pump money into the Darfur region and develop it. I just hope those rebels who will take up powerful positions won't end up being corrupted as many officials already are in the Khartoum government. They better have an honest heart and build a tiny well equipped hospital for a start.

Regardless though, I'm very happy now and satisfied. Time to start thinking about the eastern rebels immediately ;)

Sunday May 7 Sudan Welcomes UN Peacekeepers

So now after the Darfur peace deal has been signed, the government of Sudan is now welcoming the UN peacekeepers in Darfur. Seems like things are moving smoothly... so far that is. The burden will now be on the UN's shoulders mostly so let's hope they do a good job. ...

[Thanks Drima! See Sudan Watch Sunday May 7, 2006: Khartoum re-iterates its refusal for dispatch of international troops to Darfur, western Sudan]
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Photo: Ahmed Asamani, head of the Sudanese Fulani tribe attends the peace talks meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, Friday, May 5, 2006. Sudan's government and the main Darfur rebel group signed a peace plan Friday, marking major progress in an internationally backed effort to end the death and destruction in western Sudan. Two rebel groups, though, rejected the accord backed by the African Union, United States, Britain, the European Union and the Arab League and skipped the signing ceremony in a hall at a Nigerian presidential villa. (AP Photo/George Osodi)

Protests greet UN's Egeland in Darfur, before Gereida visit

The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs was greeted by protesters on Sunday as he arrived in Nyala, the largest city in southern Darfur, to assess the humanitarian crisis in the region, CNN Senior Correspondent Nic Robertson reported today:

As Jan Egeland stepped off his plane, several dozen protesters chanted and waved banners saying "No to international interference," an apparent reference to a proposal to send U.N. peacekeepers to Darfur to calm the violence that has killed 180,000 people and displaced 2 million others.

Saturday, a spokesman for the Sudanese government suggested that Sudan would welcome U.N. peacekeepers, but a foreign ministry spokesman told Reuters on Sunday that the government had not yet decided whether to allow the so-called "blue helmets" into the region.

Further reading

May 7 2006 BBC report UN's aid chief heads for Darfur: Mr Egeland says access for aid workers is at its worst for two years. He is expected to travel to the town of Gereida which is held by the rebel group which signed the peace deal and have talks with local leaders and visit refugee camps before heading to Khartoum on Monday for meetings with Sudanese officials.

May 7 2006 IRIN report UN humanitarian chief visits strife-torn Darfur: Humanitarian workers had last week expressed fears that Gereida, which provides refuge to an estimated 90,000 displaced persons, might come under siege following a series of attacks on rebel-controlled villages in South Darfur. Leaders in displaced communities said more than 300 villages around Gereida have been abandoned because of the threat of attack since November 2005. Excerpt:

According to United Nations sources, on 24 April, the Sudanese government used an Antonov plane and two helicopter gunships to attack the rebel-controlled village of Joghana, southeast of Gereida, which displaced an additional 25,000 people. Earlier, on 16 April, government forces attacked and retook the rebel-controlled town of Donkey Dreisa, 50 km north of Gereida. On 21 April, Janjawid militia and government forces jointly attacked Dito town, 25km northeast of Gereida. The attacks have exacerbated the already dire situation for many civilians across Darfur.

Interfactional skirmishes have also complicated the situation. Fighting between two SLA factions escalated near Shangil Tobayi and Tawilla in North Darfur during the second half of April, displacing thousands.

Mar 2 2006 Gereida, South Darfur - "I know how many women and children have been killed. That is ethnic cleansing, and it should stop," UN envoy Pronk declared

Mar 11 2006 AU calls for SLA to withdraw from Gereida, South Darfur - JEM rebels say 27 killed by gov't, Janjaweed in Gereida area

Mar 16 2006 Sudanese air force bombed villages of Donkey Dreisa and Omgonya in South Darfur last month?

Apr 3 2006 Sudan Watch: What's going on in Janana, S Darfur? 60 villages attacked by Janjaweed while Khartoum "safeguards" Norwegians from being in Sudan for next 2 weeks?

Apr 28 2006 AU confirms Sudan gov't bombing of Joghana, S Darfur - In 3 months, 200,000 people forced to flee, says UNICEF

May 3 2006 Sudan's SLA rebel attacks on aid workers in North Darfur breaks international humanitarian law



Photo: Leader of the Sudanese delegation Mazjoud el-Khalifa (R) exchanges the African Union (AU) draft peace agreement for Darfur with Minni Minawi, leader of the Sudanese Liberation Army rebel faction in Abuja. The AU promised to continue international efforts to bring lasting peace to Sudan's western Darfur region despite the refusal of a rebel group and a faction of another to sign a United Nations-sponsored agreement. (AFP/Wole Emmanuel)

Khartoum re-iterates its refusal for dispatch of international troops to Darfur, western Sudan

After noting here late last night that U.S. hails Sudan's willingness to accept UN force in Darfur we awoke this morning to find a second report that gives some credence to an earlier one by Kuwait News Agency (see below):

Report from Cairo (Reuters) by Mohammed Abbas May 7, 2006 via today's Scotsman - Sudan says undecided about UN peacekeepers in Darfur:

Jamal Muhammad Ibrahim [official spokesman of Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs] told Reuters media reports saying Sudan would welcome UN peacekeepers were untrue.

"This is not accurate. I don't know who made this statement. ... It has to come after an assessment by the Sudan government. If the need arises then Sudan may decide to do so. Otherwise no one has the right to impose foreign forces on Sudan," he said.

"The situation is, after the signing of the peace accord, Sudan may look into any proposals to helping prevent tragedy," Ibrahim said.

"In this context if there is any possibility for U.N. forces to replace the African forces already in Darfur, this is the decision of Sudan and it is not going to be imposed on Sudan."

He gave no timeline for possible troop replacement. Sudan has also refused to allow a U.N. planning team into the country to assess needs on the ground..

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Report by Kuwait News Agency - Khartoum re-iterates its refusal for dispatch of international troops to Darfur - May 6, 2006:

The Sudanese government on Saturday re-iterated its refusal for the dispatch of international troops to the Darfur region without its consent.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Jamal Mohammad Ibrahim told reporters that the government alone has the right to evaluate whether the Darfur region is in need for other troops besides the current African Union troops.

He asserted that no party has the right to dispatch troops to Darfur without consent of the government, reiterating the government's adherence to the regional and international organizations particularly the decision of the African peace and security council which set September 30 as a final date for ending the African Union's mission in Darfur.

On the other hand, the Sudanese government announced that the government of the Netherlands has officially expressed its willingness to finance the Darfur Fund following the signing of the peace deal last night in Abuja.

UPDATE: May 7 2006 Sudan Tribune Sudan says no foreign troops without its consent - "The government will assess whether or not it will need the assistance of foreign troops and it may decide to ask for a UN deployment," foreign ministry spokesman Jamal Ibrahim said. "But such a decision is the prerogative of the government ... What is sure is that no foreign forces will come to Sudan without the consent of the government."

Related reports

May 6 2006 UN troops all clear for Darfur - Sudan welcomes UN peacekeepers in Darfur after Agreement

May 6 2006 Government of Sudan vows to show its commitment to full implementation of peace package

May 6 2006 UN Sudan Mission welcomes deal between govt, key rebel faction

May 7 2006 Sudan will welcome UN Peacekeepers in Darfur

AU mediators say door still open until mid-May for SLM and JEM to get on board Darfur deal

The African Union has promised to continue international efforts to bring lasting peace to Darfur despite the refusal of a rebel group and a faction of another to sign a UN-sponsored agreement, Sudan Tribune reported May 7, 2006 - excerpt:

"Our hope is to have everybody on board. The AU and the international community will continue the efforts to have a deal where every single movement (rebel group) will be in," AU spokesman Nouredine Mezni said.

"The door is still open till mid-May to have the others on board. It is the AU Peace and Security Council that will decide the matter," he said.

The council is expected to meet on May 15, but Mezni did not disclose the venue.

JEM spokesman Ahmed Hussain said "all options are still open. What I can say for now is that we are committed to our people and we are standing with them."

Nouri Abdallahi of the al-Nur SLM faction also said his group was still open to negotiations, but added that delegates would start leaving for home Saturday.

US hails Sudan's willingness to accept UN force in Darfur

Citing comments by Sudanese government representatives indicating they were now willing to accept the UN force, US Ambassador John Bolton said: "we view this as a very encouraging sign, the first positive outcome from the Abuja peace agreement." Full report Sudan Tribune May 7, 2006.

May 7 2006 Blogger News Network Sudan will welcome UN Peacekeepers in Darfur

Egypt welcomes Darfur peace accord - Egypt ready to contribute to peackeeping efforts in Darfur

Egypt on Saturday welcomed the Darfur peace agreement that was signed between the Khartoum government and a main rebel faction in Sudan's western region of Darfur, the official MENA news agency reported.

Egyptian presidential statement expressed full support for the document which is expected to bring an end to three years of conflict, and called on all parties to the Darfur conflict to sign the agreement and abide by its terms.

"Egypt will continue offering humanitarian assistance to the battered Darfur and be ready to contribute to peacekeeping efforts in the area," said the statement. - Xinhua report May 6, 2006.

AU Darfur mediator hails Libyan leader Col Gaddafi

Excerpt from Ljbc report May 3, 2006. Note, the date of the report. I am including it here today because Libyan leader Col Gaddafi deserves credit for all he has done over the past two years to date to help broker peace for Darfur and open up routes for emergency aid into Darfur.

The African Union mediator at Abuja negotiations on Darfur, Salem Ahmed Salem, underlined the importance of Libya's role at Abuja talks to find a solution to the negotiations between the Sudanese government and the two movements, SLM and JEM.

The African mediator, commended the Leader's prominent role for the sake of establishing peace, security and stability, saluting the leader's tireless efforts to solve the problem of Darfur region within the African framework.

Photo (Mar 26, 2006) Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi (L) is welcomed by Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir upon his arrival in Khartoum. Kadhafi arrived in the Sudanese capital to participate in the two-day annual summit of Arab leaders.(AFP/Suna)

UN Sudan Mission welcomes deal between govt, key rebel faction

The United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) on Saturday welcomed the signing of a peace agreement between the Sudanese government and a main rebel faction over the conflict in Sudan's western Darfur region.

UNMIS spokesman Bahaa Elkoussy told Xinhua that the peace agreement signed on Friday by the Sudanese government and a key faction inside the Sudan Liberation Movement, led by Minni Arkou Minawi, was "a big transformation."

"We hope that this big transformation will have positive impacts on the security and humanitarian situations in Darfur," Elkoussy said.

The spokesman added that disarmament of the militias and the rebel armed forces would facilitate the activities of the United Nations and other international organisations in Darfur. Xinhua May 6, 2006.

Government of Sudan vows to show its commitment to full implementation of peace package

Upon concluding the agreement, the leader of the Sudanese government delegation, Magzhoub Al-Khalifa, said:

'Peace in Darfur and in Sudan begins from this Abuja agreement. We as government will take responsibility and show commitment to the full implementation of the peace package.'

'There will no longer be any incidence of ceasefire violations as we will ensure that it does not happen from this moment onward,' he vowed.

See full report "World hails Darfur peace deal as first step to peace" Deutsche Presse-Agentur May 6, 2006.

Note, the report says Nigeria's President Olusegun Obasanjo conceded that the AU peace document may not be satisfactory to all those involved, saying the government of Sudan will likely 'complain, but they will not derail in the implementation.'

Canada congratulates parties to Darfur Peace Agreement

Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay today applauded the Government of Sudan and members of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) represented by Minni Arkou Minawi for signing the Darfur Peace Agreement in Abuja, Nigeria, at the peace talks led by the African Union (AU). He also welcomed the decision by a substantial number of members of the SLM/Abdul Wahid negotiating team to abide by the terms of the agreement, even though the movement itself has not yet signed.

Since September 2004, Canada has contributed a total of $218 million in support of diplomatic, humanitarian and African Union-led efforts to end the violence and bring peace to the people of Darfur. Canada remains a top contributor to the African Union Mission in Sudan, having provided 25 helicopters, two aircraft, 105 armoured personnel carriers and related equipment, as well as civilian police and military expertise. Full report Foreign Affairs Canada, May 5 2006 via Judeoscope.

EU welcomes signing of Darfur peace pact - EU's support to the African Union "will not waver over coming months"

From Xinhua Brussels May 5, 2006:

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana extended here on Friday his welcome to the signing in Abuja of the long-awaited peace agreement on Darfur, urging those who have not signed to reconsider their positions.

"This is most certainly a major development for Darfur, for Sudan and for the entire African continent," said Solana in a written statement.

Solana appealed to all the parties present in Abuja to implement this agreement immediately and in full and to" do so resolutely and sincerely. "

"The violence in Darfur must stop. Security must now be restored so that the displaced persons and refugees can return home," he added.

He also appealed to those who have not signed in Abuja to reconsider their positions, for the sake of the peace process.

"The European Union welcomes the action of the African Union both in Abuja, with the mediation of Mr Salim Ahmed Salim, and in the field, in Darfur," he said.

"The European Union's support to the African Union will not waver over the coming months, which will be fundamental to the implementation of the peace agreement and therefore to the return to stability," he added.
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Solana expresses support to peace efforts in Darfur

Kuwait News Agency May 6, 2006:

European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana underscored in a phone conversation with president of the African Union Alfa Konari on Thursday the European Union's support of the African Union's peace efforts in Darfur.

Solana emphasized EU's blessings for a lasting peace agreement among all fighting parties in Darfur, according to a statement issued by Solana's office which indicated that he was in constant contact with all parties of the conflict in the embattled Sudanese province.

Britain welcomes Darfur peace deal - UK will play its full part in helping to turn "historic" Agreement into peace

From the Press Association May 6, 2006:

Britain has welcomed a peace deal aimed at ending three years of conflict in the Sudan.

International Development Secretary Hilary Benn welcomed the "historic" agreement.

Mr Benn announced an additional GBP 9m (USD 17m) to the United Nations' common humanitarian fund for Sudan, on top of GBP 40m (USD 75m) already committed.

"This is a very significant agreement which means that the process of bringing peace to Darfur can now begin," he said.

"This is the first step towards ending the truly terrible suffering of the people of Darfur, so many of whom have lost their lives, and with a further two million people forced from their homes.

"The real challenge now is to turn the agreement into peace and a better life for the people of Darfur. The UK will play its full part in helping to make this happen."
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May 6 2006 BBC UK welcomes peace deal in Sudan - "This is the first step towards ending the truly terrible suffering of the people of Darfur. The real challenge now is to turn the agreement into peace and a better life for the people of Darfur" - Hilary Benn, UK International development secretary.
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Irish government welcomes Darfur peace deal

Irish Independent, Ireland - May 5, 2006 - The Government has welcomed the new peace deal aimed at ending the conflict in Darfur.

Bush thanks African leaders for Sudan work - in a call from Air Force One

(05-06) 08:19 PDT ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE, (AP) -



Photo: US President George Bush speaks to Nigeria's President Olusegun Obasanjo, regarding the recent progress towards peace in Darfur, while on board an Air Force One May 6, 2006. (Reuters)

President Bush thanked two African leaders on Saturday for their role in helping negotiate a peace pact to end the violent conflict in Sudan's Darfur region.

Bush called Olusegun Obasanjo, the Nigerian president who hosted the long talks on Darfur, and Denis Sassou-Nguesso, the president of the Republic of Congo and current head of the 53-nation African Union.

Bush, who made the calls from Air Force One while flying to Oklahoma for a university commencement address, told Obasanjo that "we need to work together to transition this to the United Nations," White House spokesman Dana Perino told reporters.

U.N. troops all clear for Darfur - Sudan welcomes U.N. peacekeepers in Darfur after Agreement

CNN report Saturday, May 6, 2006 1449 GMT:

A Sudanese government spokesman has said that United Nations peacekeepers now would be welcome in Darfur after a peace agreement between Khartoum and one of the rebel groups.

Bakri Mulah, secretary-general for external affairs in the Information Ministry, issued the invitation on behalf of the Khartoum government after the agreement was reached Friday in Abuja, Nigeria.

The Sudanese government initially rejected calls for U.N. peacekeepers to replace the thousands of African Union peacekeepers now in Darfur.

"We heard the appeal of the U.N. secretary general (for U.N. peacekeepers to joint those of the African Union)... . Now there is no problem," he said.
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Sudan Welcomes U.N. Peacekeepers in Darfur After Agreement

Associated Press report via Fox News.com Saturday, May 06, 2006:

In Cairo, Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa welcomed the agreement and urged the rebel groups that opted out to reverse their decisions.

Moussa, in a statement faxed to The Associated Press, expressed confidence that the agreement would end the violence and open the way for reconstruction and development.

Khartoum had dropped opposition to a U.N. peacekeeping force, citing new conditions created by the peace deal.

"There would be no problem to have the support of the United Nations and other partners, the U.S. and EU, to help in implementation," Mullah told AP.

Mulah said the agreement also would help in repairing relations between Sudan and Chad, strained over the flood of refugees from Darfur.

Beyond that, he told AP, he expected Minnawi, the head of the Sudan Liberation Movement, to play an important role in the peace process as a member the Sudan's national unity government.

Mulah said the agreement was not closed to other rebel groups who had refused to sign.

"The other parties still have a chance to do so, but if they refuse then they will be treated just like the Janjajweed (the anti-rebel militia the government was accused of backing) or any other outlaw factions.

"This is not a government stand, it is that of the international community, the AU, the U.N. and the U.S. They will not tolerate any violation of the agreement, " he warned.

Main points of the Darfur deal

Click here to see the main points covered by the document signed by the Sudanese government and the main rebel faction. Courtesy Aljazeera.net May 6, 2006 7:55 Makka Time, 4:55 GMT

"Those who don't sign, we will continue to appeal to them" - Obasanjo

Applause and cheers sounded Friday as Sudan's government and the main rebel group signed a peace agreement and then proceeded to initial each of its 85 pages. The hall in a Nigerian presidential villa was filled with traditional leaders in white turbans, fighters in camouflage turbans, diplomats and journalists, AP/ST reported May 6, 2006:

Unless the right spirit, unless the right attitude and right disposition is there, this document isn't worth the paper it is signed on," said Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, a key figure in peacemaking efforts across Africa and host of the protracted Darfur talks. "Those who don't sign, we will continue to appeal to them. The window of opportunity must not be allowed to close."

Photo: Majzoub al-Khalifa, (R) head of the Sudanese government's negotiating team, and rebel Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) faction leader Minni Arcua Minnawi (L) shake hands after signing the deal in the Nigerian capital Abuja May 5, 2006 (Reuters/ST).

Minni Minnawi's rival, Abdel Wahid Nur met with Obasanjo for hours Friday, delaying the signing ceremony, and then briefly went into the hall where the accord was to be signed.

He left, telling reporters the proposed accord was "a big disaster" because he believed it did not go far enough to guarantee disarmament of the Janjaweed militia linked to the atrocities. Nigerian security forces tried to stop Nur from speaking to reporters, then barred reporters who had followed him out from returning to witness the signing.

"The deteriorating situation in Darfur must be addressed urgently, and not put off until if or when a U.N. force may be in place," said Paul Smith-Lomas, who directs the Darfur operations of the British aid group Oxfam.