Damanga joined Darfur Leaders gathering in Philadelphia to restructure and further the historic work on promoting a model peace plan for Darfur

Philladelphia, PA

June 27-28, 2009

Philadelphia, Pa, – Leading Darfur native activists from around the United States are gathering in Philadelphia this weekend for the Darfur Leaders Network’s conference, to “restructure and promote a model peace plan for Darfur.”

Darfur Leaders Network officials are deeply concerned that the peace process in Darfur is at a deadlock and that additional effort are required from all stakeholders including the Diaspora civil society and intellectuals from Darfur to reenergize the peace process in the region.

The conference, which will be held June 27-28 at the Newspaper Guild, 1329 Buttonwood St., will provide a broad perspective on the role of Darfur civil society in promoting peace and to address a range of issues related to the genocidal conflict in Darfur. The Darfur Leaders Network recognizes that the Darfurian Diaspora community should organize itself into a representative body that can create a unified voice. This group will pursue common goals between various interest groups in Darfur, encourage parties in Darfur to negotiate for peace, bring the voice of Darfurian civilians to international communities and negotiations, and offer practical support by providing training, expertise, and resources to the peace process.

About the Network:  - Darfur Leaders Network (DLN) is an independent non- profit organization (incorporated in Washington D.C) consisting of 35 men and women leaders from Darfuri civil society organizations in the United States. The network that represents Darfuri leaders from communities across the United States of America that symbolizes the diverse structure of Darfuri people back in Darfur. The DLN aims to: Promote immediate peace and security in Darfur, Sudan, Advocate for the rights of all Darfuri people, initiate community level dialogue amongst various Darfuri groups to create common platforms of peace and reconciliation, strengthen the ties of Darfuri civil society organizations in the international Diaspora amongst one another and develop the professional capability and enhance the professionalism of the Darfuri Diaspora in conflict prevention, transformation and peace building.

THE CONFERENCE IS OPEN FOR MEDIA AND FOR REPORTERS TO DO INTERVIEWS AT 12:30PM AT THE NEWSPAPER GUILD, 1329 BUTTONWOOD ST.