The chief negotiator for the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) Ahmed Tugud Lisan says that historic talks between the Sudanese government and the Darfur armed movements are scheduled to begin in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa on Monday.

He told Radio Dabanga that the AU mediator Thabo Mbeki announced the start of direct dialogue between the government and the Darfur movements in Addis Ababa to discuss political issues.

He said that this a new platform to solve the issues of Darfur and Sudan, downplaying links to the former Doha process: “The government should be serious as we are entering serious negotiations during the upcoming phase.”

Lisan stressed that after years of civil war, the problems of Sudan and Darfur are complex and require a comprehensive solution. “In the past, the government has looked for half solution, so all its attempts have failed”.

He confirmed that the Darfuri movements are willing to sit with the government to solve Darfur’s problems in Sudan if the Government is sincere and willing to do so.

“We want real peace if the government has the desire to sit down and tackle all the crises within the framework of a comprehensive solution. We want real peace that would lead to stability and peace for the people of Darfur and hold all the criminals accountable for the crimes in Darfur.”

Photo: SRF leadership meeting with the AUHIP panel in Addis Ababa, 1 September 2014