Press Release on Peace Agreement

May 10, 2006

The Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy expresses its approval of the peace reached between the SLA and the government of Sudan last week, and congratulates all Darfurians in particular and Sudan in general. We also gratefully thank those who lent their support to the deal, including the U.S. envoy Mr. Robert Zoellick, the British envoy and AU mediators.

In addition, many thanks and appreciation to the American citizens, students, Senators, organizations and individuals who demonstrated in rallies and events and sent their signatures, donations and other types of assistance to make change in Darfur and Sudan a reality. We likewise extend our thanks to Europeans, Canadians and other nationalities, as well as to President Bush for his support.

Nevertheless, the Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy regrets that peace talks remain incomplete. The refusal of two Darfurian factions, who played a major role in defending their peoples’ rights and saving their lives, to sign the agreement, tarnishes the legitimacy of the peace accord. Those who refused to sign have strong reasons to do so, and they must not be ignored. Damanga wishes that all of the parties might reach a deal so as to guarantee an end to the suffering of the people of Darfur. We hope that the other rebel factions will join in the newly constructed peace deal, while we simultaneously urge the Sudanese government to make real concessions. The international community must continue its support of the rebels by insuring the safety of Darfurian civilians and considering their concerns. Without the support of all of the different factions, real peace will prove impossible.

Damanga strongly urges the UN to intervene immediately by sending peacekeepers to Darfur to insure the proper implementation of the peace agreement, and to protect Darfurian civilians who continue to be killed, raped, looted, tortured, and who suffer from starvation. The UN must provide them with immediate security before any other action can take place.

Finally, Damanga asks the remaining factions of the SLA and JEM to work with their partners to complete the peace deal before it is too late. We also ask the international community not to forget those responsible for genocide in the government of Sudan and the Janjaweed. They must be charged and fairly tried by the International Criminal Court. Without such justice, no peace will last.