DRA announces commitment to Darfur peace agreement

Chairman of Darfur Regional Authority (DRA) al Tigani al Sessi praised on Wednesday a decision by Sudanese President Omar al Bashir to extend the term of his authority for one more year.

Bashir issued a republican decree on June 28, extending the Darfur Regional Authority’s term for another year starting July 15.

This move will thwart attempts by some parties to offer a new platform to discuss the Darfur conflict, he said in statements.

Sessi reiterated the authority's keenness to implement the Darfur peace agreement.

He further urged the armed group to sign the agreement and participate in the peace process again.

The DRA is ready to secure the administrative referendum in Darfur, whose date was not determined yet, Sessi said.

The conflict in west Sudan's Darfur region flared in 2003 when two rebel groups rose up against the government, accusing it of willful neglect.