Juba peace talks: Agreement on Darfur natural resources

April 27 – 2020 JUBA The Sudanese government and the armed movements negotiating a peace deal in Juba have agreed that Khartoum will allocate 40 per cent of the natural resources in the western region to Darfur itself.

Spokesman for the South Sudanese mediation committee Dhieu Mathok reported yesterday that the Sudanese government and the Sudan Revolutionary Front rebel alliance agreed on the allocation of 40 per cent of Darfur’s natural resources, such as oil and minerals, to Darfur in the coming 10 years.

In mid-March, the two parties agreed on most issues of the Darfur wealth-sharing file that Darfur will be one province again, and will be able to use its resources and funds freely, without interference from Khartoum.

They further agreed to establish a fund for peace and sustainable development in Darfur, with the aim “to attract support from the Sudanese government and the international community”.

Mathok stated yesterday that several ideas have been proposed about the funding of the restoration of peace and stability in the conflict-torn western region, including the establishment of a mining development project to be owned by the government of Darfur.

As the Sudanese government needs to study the matter, the discussion on the matter has been postponed to the next negotiating session.

Concerning the last items of power-sharing to be agreed on, the appointment of civilian governors and the formation of the Parliament, Mathok explained that the government, the armed movements in the Darfur track, and other stakeholders proposed various ratios. “There is a convergence of understanding, but the mediation sees that these ideas and proposals need to be discussed at the level of the rebel movements' leaderships and the Sudanese government.”

On Thursday, the Sudanese government and the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) rebel alliance agreed on the addition of four seats to the Sovereign Council in favour of the Darfur armed movements.

The mediator further reported that the rebel groups and the Sudanese government delegation chaired by Lt Gen Khalid Abdeen, Head of the Security Arrangements Committee, also discussed the way the security arrangements, the last file of the Darfur track, will be handled.

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Radio Dabanga’s editorial independence means that we can continue to provide factual updates about political developments to Sudanese and international actors, educate people about how to avoid outbreaks of infectious diseases, and provide a window to the world for those in all corners of Sudan. Support Radio Dabanga for as little as €2.50, the equivalent of a cup of coffee.