Peace talks between the United Nations-backed Sudanese government and rebel groups in Darfur will continue after the weekend elections in the country, the chief mediator for the African Union-U.N. mission in Sudan said. These talks seek a comprehensive solution to the ongoing conflict in Darfur. A cease-fire deal is already in place in the region, and Djibril Bassole, the chief mediator, has urged all parties to respect it.
In a joint statement, Bassole and Qatar Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Bin Abdullah Al-Mahmoud welcomed the agreement signed by the Sudanese government and rebel group Justice and Equality Movement as well as the cease-fire deal between the government and the Liberation and Justice Movement, another rebel group.