Sudanese government, rebel groups agree on peace deal

JUBA, South Sudan

Sudan’s government on Monday signed an initial peace agreement with armed rebel groups in South Sudan’s capital Juba, according to Sudan’s state-run media.

The rebel groups that signed the deal include Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) from the western region of Darfur, and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Malik Agar from the southern states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Sudan’s Sovereign Council head Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan and Prime Minister Abdulla Hamdok as well as top Sudanese officials.

The peace deal is expected to end 17-year conflict between the government and armed groups.