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Darfur rebel alliance makes peace Darfur rebel alliance makes peace
(10 minutes later)
Sudan has signed a ceasefire with a major Darfur rebel group, the second deal in recent weeks, leaving just one band of rebels in open conflict.Sudan has signed a ceasefire with a major Darfur rebel group, the second deal in recent weeks, leaving just one band of rebels in open conflict.
The Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) - a newly formed umbrella group of 10 movements - signed the framework deal paving the way for further talks.The Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) - a newly formed umbrella group of 10 movements - signed the framework deal paving the way for further talks.
Last month, a similar deal was closed with the Justice and Equality Movement (Jem), the biggest single rebel group.Last month, a similar deal was closed with the Justice and Equality Movement (Jem), the biggest single rebel group.
In the past the existence of many small factions has hampered peace talks.In the past the existence of many small factions has hampered peace talks.
But now, the only major group still holding out against the government is a faction of the Sudan Liberation Army led by Abdul Wahid, who has refused to take part in peace talks.But now, the only major group still holding out against the government is a faction of the Sudan Liberation Army led by Abdul Wahid, who has refused to take part in peace talks.
Continuing splits
"This is an important step which will give momentum to peace efforts in Darfur," said Sudanese Vice-President Ali Osman Taha, who was at the talks, according to AFP news agency."This is an important step which will give momentum to peace efforts in Darfur," said Sudanese Vice-President Ali Osman Taha, who was at the talks, according to AFP news agency.
KEY REBEL PLAYERS Jem One of the first rebel groups, leader Khalil Ibrahim wants post in national governmentSLA Main faction led by Abdul Wahid, lives in exile in Paris, not taking part in peace talksLJM Umbrella group formed in February, includes 10 smaller rebel groups Darfur's election dilemma Will peace return to Darfur? Who are Sudan's Darfur rebels?
"We reiterate the commitment of the government of Sudan to press ahead with talks following this framework agreement.""We reiterate the commitment of the government of Sudan to press ahead with talks following this framework agreement."
Since the conflict in Darfur began in 2003, some 2.7 million people have fled their homes and the UN says about 300,000 more have died.Since the conflict in Darfur began in 2003, some 2.7 million people have fled their homes and the UN says about 300,000 more have died.
The rebel movements have been fighting government soldiers and Arab militias who many people say are backed by the government.The rebel movements have been fighting government soldiers and Arab militias who many people say are backed by the government.
Although preliminary peace deals have now been signed with almost all of the rebel movements, tensions between the rebel groups still remain. Although preliminary peace deals have now been signed with almost all of the rebel movements, tensions between the groups still remain.
Jem has been angered by the other rebels' refusal to join them at the negotiating table as one bloc and dismissed the LJM's deal. Jem has been angered by the other rebels' refusal to join them at the negotiating table as one bloc and dismissed the LJM's deal, saying they had no military force on the ground.
"The ceasefire is meaningless. It is a ceasefire without any fire," said Jem official Al-Tahir al-Feki, according to Reuters news agency."The ceasefire is meaningless. It is a ceasefire without any fire," said Jem official Al-Tahir al-Feki, according to Reuters news agency.
But he said his group would not walk out of the talks in Doha in a "reflex reaction".But he said his group would not walk out of the talks in Doha in a "reflex reaction".
Earlier this week, a deadline was missed for a final agreement between Jem and the government, a month after they signed their preliminary deal.Earlier this week, a deadline was missed for a final agreement between Jem and the government, a month after they signed their preliminary deal.