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Sudan: Tutu Leads Elders' Darfur Peace Mission
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BuaNews (Tshwane)
19 September 2007
Posted to the web 19 September 2007
Sholain Govender
Pretoria
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is to lead a delegation of The Elders, influential statesmen, in the latest initiative to bring peace to Darfur.
At least 200 000 people have died and some 2 million forced from their homes during the four year conflict.
The UK-based think-tank Ekklesia has reported that the Elders will travel to Khartoum at the end of the month to meet representatives from all sides of the conflict.
They will then go to Darfur to talk to local community leaders and some of the displaced people now living in camps.
Mr Tutu, Nobel laureate and former Archbishop of Cape Town said: "We want community leaders in Darfur to feel that they have been heard by us."
Lakhdar Brahimi, Jimmy Carter and Graça Machel will be among the influential former world leaders taking part, said the Catholic Information Service for Africa in a statement Wednesday.
"This is not just a quick trip for The Elders. We want the suffering to end - and we hope to contribute to that," said Archbishop Tutu.
Former President Nelson Mandela has led the formation of a group of distinguished Elders who will offer their collective wisdom and experience to solve some of the world's challenges.
Convened with the assistance of Madiba's wife, Ms Machel, and Chairperson Mr Tutu, The Elders seek to contribute their wisdom, independent leadership and integrity to tackle some of the world's toughest problems.
These include pandemics like HIV and AIDS, violent conflicts, poverty and hunger, child and women abuse and global warming.
The historic unveiling coincided with the celebration of Mr Mandela's 89th birthday and the ninth anniversary of his marriage to Ms Machel.
Some of the founding members of the group, Kofi Annan, Mr Carter, Li Zhaoxing, Mary Robinson and Muhammad Yunus joined Mr Mandela at the event.
"This group can speak freely and boldly, working both publicly and behind the scenes on whatever actions need to be taken. Together we will work to support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict, and inspire hope where there is despair," Mr Mandela said at the launch.
He said the group could make the planet "a more peaceful and equitable place to be" adding that they would ensure "the essential interdependence" of all humanity.
"They will listen and work with those who need their help most - this is those who have the least and suffer the most," Mr Mandela added.
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In conclusion Mr Mandela explained that he had watched the idea grow over the years since world-renowned musician Peter Gabriel and successful entrepreneur Richard Branson first brought their idea to him and Ms Machel in 2001.
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