Sudan to sign deal with rebels on June 6

By Simon Deng

The Sudan Transitional Government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) rebel group led by Abdelaziz Adam Alhilu will sign an initial peace deal on June 6, a mediator said.

Peace talks between the two “is progressing well” in the South Sudanese capital Juba, Dhieu Mathok, a member of the mediation team told reporters.

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“The talk and the parties will sign the initial peace deal on June 6. We are going to conclude this session and give two weeks recess before the talks resume,” Mathok said.

The Sudan Transitional Government which assumed power following a popular overthrow of dictator Omar el Bashir signed a deal with several opposition groups in October last year.

The talks with the SPLM-N only began this week.

“We hope after initial signing, the talks will continue to realize the comprehensive peace deal,” Mathok said.

Mathok said that the mediation team has issued guidelines for the talks, noting that parties on the negotiating table must talk responsibly, and avoid reports that have potential to disrupt the peace process.

“The initial agreement is broader than the declaration of principles signed in Juba, both parties may have different positions but such differences can be resolved,” he said.

“It is a matter of sequencing of the issues within the declaration.”