Peace talks between a major Darfur rebel group and the Sudanese government are under way in Qatar’s capital, Doha.
It’s the first time that Khartoum and leaders of the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) are meeting face to face to discuss peace in the devastated region.
JEM is the strongest and most effective of the many Darfur rebel movements.
The war in Darfur began in 2003 when rebels took up arms against the government, complaining of discrimination and neglect in the vast western region.
The United Nations estimates up to 300 000 people have died and more than 2,5-million have fled their homes in five years of fighting.
Representatives from the African Union and the Arab League are attending Doha talks. — Sapa-AP