Bashir forms high-level committee to oversee Darfur negotiations

President Omar al-Bashir yesterday issued two Republican Decrees, assigning Dr. Ghazi Salah El Din with the Darfur file, and forming a follow-up committee under Dr. Ghazi’s chairmanship. This is a re-appointment for Ghazi, who already held responsibility for the Darfur dossier The committee comprises the Ministers of Defence, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Finance and National Economy and Information as well as the three governors of the Darfur States, and a representative of the Transitional Regional Authority of Darfur, according to state media. The committee will be tasked with negotiating peace in Darfur, external affairs related to Darfur, and overseeing implementation of the already signed peace agreements, among other functions. Alongside the official committee, there will be an Advisory Council formed from “official and popular personalities.”