LJM casts doubt on resumption of Darfur peace talks

The Liberation and Justice Movement has ruled out resuming the Doha negotiations after the holidays ‘in light of the current situation.’ The LJM rebel coalition is the only one that had appeared to be making progress in talks with the government.  Abdullah Mursal, LJM spokesman, said the government is creating a parallel platform for resolving the conflict and intends to impose military solutions. Possibly he was referring to behind-the-scenes talks between the government and the movements of Khalil Ibrahim and Abdel Wahid Al Nur. He said these are indications that the government is not serious and willing to achieve peace in Darfur. He appealed to the mediation to act to save the Doha platform.

These remarks follow government announcements of a new strategy for Darfur. The strategy places less emphasis — or at least relative emphasis — on reaching a peace deal with rebels.