Sudan announces Darfur ceasefire
Updated on 12 November 2008
An immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Darfur has been announced by the Sudanese president.
Omar Hassan al-Bashir said his government would also disarm the militias in the region.
International experts estimate that 200,000 have lost their lives and 2.5 million have been displaced since the Darfur conflict began in 2003, when mostly African rebels revolted against the Khartoum government, charging it with neglect.
Mr Bashir said; "I hereby announce our immediate unconditional ceasefire between the armed forces and the warring factions, provided that an effective monitoring mechanism is put into action and observed by all involved parties."
The ceasefire was recommended by the Sudan People's Forum, which consists of government and opposition figures. Darfur rebels have boycotted the forum.
Mr Bashir added: "We will set up an immediate campaign to disarm the militias and restrict the use of weapons among armed forces."
But the president, who faces the possibility of an indictment by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes in Darfur, did not promise to release political prisoners from Darfur, which was also recommended by the forum.
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