Rebels, Khartoum Sign Peace Deal To End Darfur Conflict

Doha, Qatar (AHN) - Sudan President Omar al-Bashir and one of two Darfur rebel groups signed a framework ceasefire deal Tuesday in Doha, Qatar in a major step to ending the seven-year conflict in Darfur.

The ceasefire deal with the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) also provides for steps on a power-sharing scheme that will give rebels government positions, establishment of a $1.5 billion fund to develop the region, the conversion of JEM into a political party, the pardoning of 100 JEM rebels and the signing of a final peace deal.

Bashir was able to sign the deal personally despite a warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) as Qatar is not a signatory to the ICC charter and is not obliged to arrest the Sudanese leader.