Sudan signs peace deal with rebel forces to end civil war

Sudan’s government celebrated the end of decades of fighting following a signing ceremony with rebel leaders to end the civil strife.

Rebels leaders gesture after the signing of the peace agreement [Samir Bol/Reuters]

Dignitaries from Egypt, South Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar attended the glamourous, well planned, signing ceremony, in Juba, filled with drummers and singers that were flown in by Sudan’s former enemy, South Sudan.

“This signing of this agreement today is a significant day today for Sudan and South Sudan … it means an end to suffering of many Sudanese people in different corners of Sudan and outside Sudan,” said Mini Arko Minawi, leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement.

Rebel groups danced, marches, and sang songs of joy celebrating the end of a war that has killed more than three-hundred-thousand civilians and displaced two-point-five million more.

More importantly to the warring sides, the peace deal gives rebel groups political recognition and influence.

“While this deal is been called the final agreement, there are major groups that are yet to sign an agreement with the transitional government,” authorities told journalists present.

“The biggest concern is the implementation of the security arrangement because there are concerns about splinter groups,” authorities said.

By Niza Nondo