Doha — A negotiations agenda was signed in Doha, Qatar, between representatives of the government of Sudan and of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) splinter group on Thursday, 24 January.

"The signing of the agenda paves the way for the immediate commencement of the negotiation based on the agreement between the two Parties as reflected in the Declaration affirming their commitment to the Peace Process and to immediate cessation of hostilities signed on 22 October 2012, with a view to achieving a comprehensive peace agreement putting an end to the Conflict in Darfur", a mediation statement read.

Signatory parties will move towards "reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Conflict in Darfur on the Basis of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD)."

The mediation team comprises H.E. Mr. Ahmed Bin Abdullah Al-Mahmoud, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for the Council of Ministers Affairs, and H.E. Aïchatou S. Mindaoudou, Acting AU/UN Joint Chief Mediator for Darfur.

The delegation of the government of Sudan is led by H.E. Dr. Amin Hassan Omer, Minister of State in the Presidency and Head of the Darfur Follow-up Office.

JEM is represented by Mr. Arko Sulaiman Dahiya, Vice President.