Darfur Consortium- African and International Civil Society Action for Darfur

The international community has a crucial role to play in engaging with both the Sudanese government and the rebel movements based in Darfur in order to bring about a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in Darfur.

While bilateral involvement is important, much of the most constructive engagement has come through the inter-governmental context, particularly under the auspices of the African Union and the United Nations. Recently the International Criminal Court has been given authority to investigate, and if appropriate prosecute, those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur. Other international organizations such as the League of Arab States have also played a role in addressing the conflict.

African Union

The African Union (AU) has played a leading role in seeking a solution to the current humanitarian crisis in Darfur, overseeing the political negotiations and sending troops into Darfur to monitor the ceasefire agreement it has brokered between the government of Sudan and the two major rebel groups (the Sudan Liberation Movement/ Army and the Justice and Equality Movement).

AU-UN Consultations

Conclusions of the high-level AU-UN consultations with the Government of Sudan on the Hybrid Operation (June 12, 2023)

Discussion by the African Union and the United Nations on the Hybrid Operation in Darfur, in particular its specific recommendations about the mandate and structure of the Operation, and details on its various components and tasks.

The Peace and Security Council

The AU Peace and Security Council is responsible for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts on the continent.

The Communiqué of the 58th Ordinary Session (June 27, 2023)
Decision on the situation in Darfur

Stresses the need to conclude modalities, in consultation with all stakeholders, for effective functioning of the activities of the restructured Ceasefire Commission in El-Fasher on June 13, 2006, as well as of the Joint Commission in Addis Ababa on June 23, 2006;
Requests Commission, working with DPA signatory parties, develop practical modalities for the effective involvement of certain persons from the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) of Abdulwahid El Nour and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) of Khalil Ibrahim of a Declaration of Commitment to the DPA as result of their pledge to fully cooperate in the implementation of its provisions;
Decides to impose targeted measures, including travel ban and assets freeze, against all persons or groups undermining the DPA, obstructing its implementation, or violating the Comprehensive Ceasefire;
Requests that the Commission Chairperson establish the list of anyone working against the DPA and communicate the names to all Member States, relevant members of the international community, and the UN Security Council so that further action may be taken;
Decides to consider the new AMIS Concept of Operations (CONOPS) at the appropriate time, in light of any decision on a transition to the UN and availability of logistical and financial support;
Reiterates its strong condemnation of all human rights violation in Darfur, including gender based violence.

The Communiqué of the Special Announcement by the Commission for Peace and Security and AU Representation of the Sudan (June 8, 2023)
Special Announcement by Commission for Peace and Security and AU Representative for the Sudan

Received leaders who signed and submitted a Declaration of Commitment to the Darfur Peace Agreement to the Commissioner, on behalf of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army and the Justice and Equality Movement.

The Communiqué of the 51st Ordinary Session (May 15, 2023)
Decision on the Situation in Darfur

Decides the commencement of the DPA implementation DPA is 6pm 16 May 2023 ;
Stresses need for the Parties, AMIS, the UN, and other stakeholders to initiate joint outreach campaigns to explain DPA provisions and benefits to people of Darfur ;
Expresses the view that the DPA represents a fair and comprehensive solution, therefore there are no legitimate grounds for any group in Darfur to use military means to achieve its goals;
Undertakes to review regularly, in alongside UN Security Council, DPA implementation—will take measures against any individual/group that violates/blocks the DPA, including a request to the UN Security Council to impose a travel ban and assets freeze, as provided for in Resolution 1591 (2005);
Stresses need to review AMIS’ mandate and to increase significantly its strength, noting that AMIS is in a precarious financial situation;
Requests the Commission Chairperson to submit AMIS troop enhancement proposals;
Decides that steps should be taken for transition from an AMIS to a UN operation;
Calls on Chad and Sudan to respect and implement Tripoli Agreement of 8 February 2006.

Report of the Chairperson of the AU Commission on the Status of the Implementation of the Peace and Security Council Decision of March 10, 2023 on the Situation in Darfur and the Conclusion of the Abuja Peace Talks (May 15, 2023)

Communiqué of the 50th Ordinary Session (April 28, 2023)
Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks on the Conflict in Darfur

Calls upon the international community and the UN Security Council to provide necessary political and other forms of support needed for the adoption, signing and full implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA).

Communiqué of the 48th Ordinary Session (April 6, 2023)
Decision on the Ongoing Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks on the Situation in Darfur

Requests the Commission Chairperson to have AMIS draw up and submit contingency plans for requirements of implementing envisaged commitments of the draft Enhanced Ceasefire Agreement;
Requests the AU Mediation to submit final compromise proposals for a Comprehensive Darfur Peace Agreement to the parties, with the continued support of the international community.

Communiqué of the 47th Ordinary Session (March 21, 2023)
On the Implementation of the Tripoli Agreement of 8 February 2023 between Chad and the Sudan

Requests that the Commission continue exploring, and report as soon as possible on, options for supporting implementation of the Tripoli Agreement including support of AMIS, considering the Mission’s capabilities, logistics, financial resources, legal aspects, and views of troop contributing countries.

Report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the Implementation of the Tripoli Agreement of 8 February 2023 Between Chad and the Sudan (March 21, 2023)

Communiqué of the 46th Ordinary Session (March 10, 2023)
Decision of Situation in Darfur

Decides to, in principle, support transfer from AMIS to UN operation within AU-UN partnership;
Decides to extend AMIS’ mandate until September 2006 in order to help improve general security, monitor compliance with the N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement, and assist in conference building;
Decides all efforts should be made to ensure early conclusion of seventh round Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks;
Demands parties progress on power and wealth sharing and security arrangements in peace talks; stresses need for African leaders and others involved to encourage conclusion of peace agreement by April 2006.
Recommends establishment of a Committee of Heads of States and Government, to include the current AU Chairman, immediate past Chairman, PSC Chairman, and Commission Chairperson, among others, to engage with the Sudanese authorities and others on expedition of peace process’
Calls for an immediate end to acts intending to incite demonstrations against the international community and the defamatory characterization of AMIS.

Report of the Chairperson of the AU Commission on the Situation in Darfur (March 10, 2023)--Pursuant to to Paragraph 5 of the PSC Communique PSC/PR/COMM (XLV) of Jan. 2006

Communiqué of the 45th Ordinary Session (January 12, 2023)
Decision on the Situation in Darfur

Stresses importance of ongoing Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks in Abuja and the need for timely conclusion. Stresses need for African leaders and involved parties to pressure Sudanese parties to honor their commitments and negotiate a peace agreement.
Stresses steps should be taken to sustain Darfur peace support operation in 2006 and beyond while considering requirements for increased integration of peace effort aspects.
Requests Commission Chairperson initiate consultations with UN and others intending to provide PSC meeting with relevant information, including modalities for UN operation transfer and financial aspects of Darfur operation.
Decides to extend AMIS mandate until March 31, 2006.

Report of the Chairperson of the AU Commission on the Situation in Darfur (January 12, 2023)

Communiqué of the 43rd Ordinary Session (November 21, 2022)
7th Round of Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks in Darfur

Strongly demands that SLM/A leaders focus on peace negotiations;
Demands that Movement’s leadership crisis be addressed collectively and democratically resolved;
Requests that the Commission ensure that invitations are extended to the two SLM/A groups for the 7 th Round Talks;
Requests other involved parties to pursue efforts in close work with the AU;
Decides, with UN Security Council to consider future measures, including sanctions, to be taken against any party undermining Darfur peace process, including Abuja Talks and violations of N’djamena Ceasefire and Abuja Protocols.

Report on the Preparation for the Seventh Round of the Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks on the Conflict in Darfur (November 22, 2022)

Communiqué of the 42nd Ordinary Session October 20, 2022
Decision on Renewal of AMIS Mandate

Decides to extend AMIS mandate to January 20, 2006, pending situation review.

Briefing Note on the Renewal of the Mandateof the AU Mission in the Sudan (AMIS) October 20, 2022

Communiqué of the 41st Ordinary Session (October 10, 2023)
Decision on Deteriorating Security Situation in Darfur

Condemns the killing of two Nigerian contingent members serving with AMIS, two civilian employee drivers from Pacific Architects and engineers, and the abduction of 38 AMIS personnel and their equipment;
Demands release of all abducted AMIS personnel and equipment.
Affirms that parties are responsible for these acts and requests them to hand over the perpetrators;
Condemns all casualties and disruptions to humanitarian activities resulting from recent SLM/A attacks on Arab nomads in Turba on August 23, 2005, and SLM/A attack on a Government of Sudan military camp in Sheiria on September 19, 2005, Janjaweed/Armed militia attack on Aru Sharo, Arga, Gosmino on September 29, 2005, and attack on Tawilla and its IDP camps on September 29, 2005;
Demands all parties respect N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement of April 8, 2004. Calls upon rebel movements to verify their locations. Further calls upon GOS to restrain its police and military and to use all necessary means to restrain/disarm the Janjaweed/armed militia;
Requests that the GOS cooperate fully with AMIS and calls upon the GOS to expedite action for diplomatic clearance of 105 Armed Personnel Carriers necessary for AMIS personnel and civilian protection;
Requests that the Commission examine how to strengthen means for Sudanese parties to comply with signed agreements and decisions of Ceasefire and Joint Committees and to submit forward proposals;
Decides to bring Darfur situation to attention of UN Security Council.

Communiqué of the 39th Ordinary Session (September 30, 2023)
Decision on Status of Implementation of Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in the Sudan

Congratulates Sudan for successful formation of a Government of National Unity (GoNU), an important step in implementation of the CPA.
Encourages Southern Sudan to form Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) as soon as possible.
Urges GoNU to quickly form relevant committees to oversee CPA implementation and other issues pertaining to peace process.

Briefing Note on the Status of Implementation of the CPA in the Sudan (September 30, 2023)

Declaration of the 36th Ordinary Session (August 4, 2023)
Statement on Death of SPLM/A Chairman and First Vice-President of the Republic of Sudan

Expresses condolences;
Expresses deep concern about Khartoum disturbances and in Southern Sudan following announcement of death of Dr. John Garang.

Communiqué of the 34th Ordinary Session (July 3, 2023)
Communiqué on Situation in Darfur Region of Sudan

Commends troop contributing countries for their commitment to deploy additional troops to reach authorized number of 7,731;
Underscores the fact that the core of Darfur conflict is political and socioeconomic and that Abuja Peace Talks provide most viable means to negotiate a solution.

The Communiqué of the 28th Ordinary Session (April 28, 2023)
Enhancement of the AU Mission in Sudan

Requests speed up of civilian police deployment component of AMIS;
Urges a higher level of compliance with the N’djamena Humanitarian Ceasefire Agreement of 8 April 2023 and the Abuja Protocols on Humanitarian and Security Issues of 9 November 2022
Requests that the Commission bring AMIS to its full operational capability by end of May 2005;
Decides AMIS strength should be increased to a total of 6,171 military personnel, with an appropriate civilian component, including up to 1,560 civilian police personnel, by the end of September 2005.

Report of the Chairperson of the AU Commission on the Situation in the Darfur Region of the Sudan (April 28, 2023)

Conclusions of the 3rd Meeting of the Military Staff Committee (April 25, 2023)

Report of the Chairperson of the AU Commission on the Situation in the Darfur Region of the Sudan (January 10, 2023)—provides an overview of the progress of deployment of the African Union Mission in Darfur as well as the humanitarian and human rights situation.

Communiqué of the 17th Meeting (October 20, 2022)—lays out the parameters of an enhanced AU Mission in Sudan.

Report of the Chairperson of the AU Commission on the Situation in Darfur, the Sudan (October 20, 2022)—provides an overview of the status of the Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks and the status of the AU mission in Darfur.

Communiqué of the 16th Ordinary Session (September 17, 2023)

Communiqué of the 14th Ordinary Session (August 9, 2023)

Report of the AU Commission Chairperson on the Situation in Darfur, Sudan (July 7, 2023)—on the operationalization of the Ceasefire Commission and the deployment of the deployment of the AU Observer Mission and on overview of the political and humanitarian aspects.

Communiqué of the 13th Ordinary Session (July 27, 2023)—welcoming progress on deploying AU mission and asking the Chairperson of the Commission to report regularly.

Communiqué of the 5 th Ordinary Session (April 13, 2023)—welcoming the April 8 Ceasefire Agreement and requesting the Chairperson of the Commission to ensure early deployment of the Ceasefire Monitoring Commission.

Report of the Chairperson of the AU Commission on the Situation in Darfur, Sudan (April 13, 2023)—on AU consultations with the Chadian and Sudanese authorities, and the first round of Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks.

The Assembly and the African Union

The Assembly of the African Union is composed of the heads of state and government of member states.

Decision on Darfur (July 2004)

In this decision the AU states its concern over the humanitarian situation and ongoing occurrences of human rights violations in Darfur.

The AU-Sponsored Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks on Darfur

The African Union has sponsored peace talks between the Government of Sudan, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army and the Justice and Equality Movement. The process has produced a ceasefire agreement and several protocols.

Key Agreements

Darfur Peace Agreement, Abuja (May 5, 2023)

Juba Declaration on Unity and Integration Between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and the South Sudan Defence Forces (SSDF) (January 8, 2023)

Draft Framework Protocol for the Resolution of the Conflict in Darfur (April 2005)

Comprehensive Peace Agreement (January 9, 2023)

Implementation Agreement, Naivasha (December 31, 2022)--This agreement illustrates implementation modalities in chart form.

Cease Fire Agreement, Naivasha (December 31, 2022)--This agreement commits the Sudanese government and the SPLM/SPLA to a permanent ceasefire and security arrangements for the pre-interim and interim periods.

Protocol between the Government of Sudan, the Sudanese Liberation Movement/Army and the Justice and Equality Movement on the Improvement of the Security Situation in Darfur in Accordance with the N’Djamena Agreement, (November 9, 2022)—This agreement recommits the parties to the ceasefire agreement signed the previous April. It addition the parties commit to provide the Ceasefire Commission and the African Union mission with information necessary to effectively monitor the ceasefire, including information on troop positions and administrative movements.

Protocol between the Government of Sudan, the Sudanese Liberation Movement/Army and the Justice and Equality Movement on the Improvement of the Humanitarian Situation in Darfur (November 9, 2022)—This agreement commits the parties to ensuring full access by humanitarian organizations to populations in need. It also creates a Joint Humanitarian Facilitation and Monitoring Unit to monitor implementation of the agreement.

Agreement on Humanitarian Ceasefire on the Conflict in Darfur (April 8, 2023) —This agreement marks the beginning of a ceasefire. The parties committed themselves to ending hostilities and to halting their recruitment. This ceasefire is intended to facilitate humanitarian access to populations in need within Darfur.

The Process

There have, thus far, been seven rounds of negotiations which have taken place under the auspices of the Inter-Sudanese Peace Process.

AU Communiqué on the Status of the Darfur Peace Agreement (June 1, 2023)

Statement of the African Union Mediation on the Political Dialogue on the Crisis in Darfur (July 17, 2023)

The Sixth Round, October 2005

AU Statement on the Conclusion of the Sixth Round of Peace Talks

Communiqué Issued by the Parties Attending the Sixth Round of Peace Talks

The Fifth Round, June and July 2005

AU Statement on the Conclusion of the Fifth Round of Peace Talks

Declaration of Principles for the Resolution of the Sudanese Conflict in Darfur

The Fourth Round, December 2004

AU Press Release on the Conclusion of the Fourth Round of the Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks (December 21, 2022)

AU Press Release on the Opening of the Fourth Round of Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks (December 11, 2022)

Opening Statement by Ambassador Sam B. Ibok (December 11, 2022)

Press Release by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (December 10, 2022)

The Third Round, November 2004

Protocol between the Government of Sudan, the Sudanese Liberation Movement/Army and the Justice and Equality Movement on the Improvement of the Security Situation in Darfur in Accordance with the N’Djamena Agreement (November 9, 2022)—This agreement recommits the parties to the ceasefire agreement signed the previous April. It addition the parties commit to provide the Ceasefire Commission and the African Union mission with information necessary to effectively monitor the ceasefire, including information on troop positions and administrative movements.

Chairman’s Conclusions (November 2004)

The Second Round, August-September 2004

Chairman’s Conclusions (September 2004)

The Chairman’s Conclusions offer a summary of the draft protocols on the improvement of the humanitarian situation and for the enhancement of the security situation. These protocols were later signed in the third round of talks.

The First Round, April 2004

Protocol on the Establishment of Humanitarian Assistance in Darfur (April 8, 2023)

AU Mission in Sudan and Monitoring the Ceasefire

The African Union has deployed a mission to the Darfur region. These troops operate with the consent of the Sudanese government and are empowered to monitor the ceasefire.

Current status of miltary deployment for the enhanced AMIS (July 26, 2023)

Joint Statement by the African Union Mission in the Sudan and the United Nations Mission in Sudan on the attack and destruction of Khor Abeche on 7 April 2023 by armed militia (April 11, 2023)

AU Press Release, The African Union Deploys More Troops in Darfur as Part of its Efforts to Strengthen AMIS (October 28, 2022).—The release notes the deployment of a new Nigerian contingent and relates plans for future deployment.

Agreement with the Sudanese Parties on the Modalities for the Establishment of the Ceasefire Commission and the Deployment of Observers in the Darfur (May 28, 2023)

Status of Mission Agreement (SOMA) on the Establishment and Management of the Ceasefire Commission in the Darfur Area of the Sudan (June 4, 2023)

Reports of the Ceasefire Commission

The reports of the Ceasefire Commission address alleged violations of the Agreement on Humanitarian Ceasefire signed in April 2004. The reports must be agreed by all parties to the conflict.

CVR No 66/05: Alleged Janjaweed/Armed Militia Attack of Khor Abeche on 07 Apr 05

CVR No 64/05: Alleged SLA Attacks on Tawla Police on 31 Mar, 2 and 4 Apr 05

CVR No 65/05: Alleged SLA/JEM Burning of a GoS Police Office in Abu Zureyka on 03 Apr 05

CVR No 63/05: Alleged GoS Attacks on SLA Positions in Galol Area on 02 Apr 05

CVR No 62/05: Alleged Theft of 173 Camels and Abduction of 4 Persons in Tabatoga on 27 Mar 05

CVR No 58/05: Allegd Armed Nomads Attack on Tolay Village on 26 Mar 05

CVR No 67/05: Alleged JEM Attack on Khazan Gadid on 24 Mar 05

CVR No 68/05: Alleged Killings and Livestock Rustling South-West of Labado on 24 Mar 05

CVR No 48/05: Alleged Janjaweed / Armed Militia Concentration in Dreab Alreal With Intent to Attack Duana on 22 Mar 05

CVR No 49/05: Alleged Looting of Cattle in Bajo on 21 Mar 05

CVR No 61/05: Alleged Concentration of SLA/JEM in Wada'ah Village on 17 Mar 05

CVR No 57/05: Alleged Janjaweed/Armed Militia at Duma on 11 Mar 05