Darfur Peace Deal Deadline Extended for Sudan's Rebel Groups

The African Union (AU) has extended a deadline for two of Darfur’s smaller rebel groups to sign a peace deal by 14 days. If they have still not signed by then, UN sanctions may be implemented.

The AU has stated that its hope for the United Nations to take control of the peacekeeping force in Darfur as soon as possible, however, many within Sudan have made it known they want the AU to remain in charge.

Earlier this month, Darfur’s largest rebel group signed a peace deal, with the purpose to finally end the three-year conflict, which has claimed at least 200,000 lives, with another 2 million forced from their homes.