Zoellick's Resignation a Serious setback for Darfur peace Negotiations

June 24, 2006

Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy expresses its deep regret over the sudden resignation of Robert Zoellick, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and special envoy who participated in Darfur peace negotiations in Abuja, Nigeria, last month.

Working with mediators from Great Britain and African nations, Zoellick has played a major role in efforts to negotiate a peace agreement between Darfur factions and the Sudanese government. At this critical time, the world needs Zoellick’s contribution in the Darfur peace process more than ever.

The task that remains is great. A real and complete peace must ensure the rights of the innocent people of Darfur and guarantee their full security. Any peace agreement must disarm the Janjaweed militia, rebuild Darfurians’ homes destroyed in the conflict, provide Darfurians with compensation, and give Darfur full representation in the national government. Those who have committed war crimes must be held accountable and turned over to the ICC.