By Jennifer M. Haralambides
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

DARFUR, Sudan – Four prominent Darfur rebel groups have agreed to establish a unified front after a U.S.-sponsored negotiation in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa over the weekend.

Although the four factions: the United Resistance Front (URF), the Sudan Liberation Movement – Abdulwahid, the Sudan Liberation Movement – Unity, and the Sudan Liberation Movement – Abdulshafi have not yet agreed on specific ways to facilitate peace within the groups, they have agreed on a road map to unify their struggle and engage in peace talks.

The U.S. special envoy to Darfur, Scott Gration mediated the agreement between the factions and was present during the signing.  He called rebel unity a prerequisite for political talks on stopping the war that has lasted for over six years, killing an estimated 300,000 people.

“It’s a remarkable achievement,” said Gration.  “What I’ve seen with these groups is that they are working so hard to ensure that we learn from past attempts to reunify, to get peace; and this time to make it lasting and durable,” he continued.

The rebel factions have created a committee in order to continue to deal with the remaining issues which have been the cause of conflict between the groups.  One major issue that remains is that of leadership.  Initially they planned to elect their “unity leadership” in Addis Ababa, although there is no concrete final agreement on the leadership post as of yet.

Even though the peace talks are a step in the right direction, Ahmed Abdulshafi Toba, chairman of Sudan Liberation Movement – Abdulshafi said the unity talks do not include a ceasefire.  Also, one of the main rebel groups, Justice for Equality and Movement (JEM) did not take part in the unity talks due to their previous disagreements with U.S. envoy Gration.

There are currently 30 different rebel groups in Sudan fighting for their cut in the oil industry and for fair representation in the national political system.

For more information, please see:

All Africa – Sudan: U.S., Africa Step Up Darfur Peace Drive – 24 August 2009

Daily Nation – Darfur Rebel Factions Unite for Peace Talks – 24 August 2009

VOA – Four Darfur Rebel Groups Reach Unity Deal – 23 August 2009

AFP – US Envoy Pledges to Help Darfur Rebels Unite – 22 August 2009