The head of the joint UN-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) said a peace agreement between Sudanese authorities and key armed movements from Darfur could provide a path to national unity.

Secretary-General António Guterres later described it as an "historic achievement" towards lasting peace.

Sudan's transitional Government initialled the deal alongside the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) and Sudan Liberation Movement–Minni Minnawi (SLM/MM), at a ceremony held in neighboring South Sudan. 

Courage and commitment 

"The Secretary-General congratulates the people of Sudan for the historic achievement and commends the parties to the negotiations for their political will and determination in working toward the common objective of peace", said the statement released on Monday night in New York.

Mr. Guterres said he was fully committed to supporting the implementation of the agreement, "which marks the start of a new era for the people of the Sudan and for people living in Darfur and the Two Areas, in particular. This will require sustained commitment and collaboration between the parties and the people of the Sudan."

Earlier, Jeremiah Mamabolo, the UNAMID Joint Special Representative who attended the ceremony, said the deal was a "significant step" and commended in particular the signatory parties for their "determination, courage and commitment to lasting peace in Sudan".

17 years of brutal fighting

It is expected that the peace agreement will end 17 years of often brutal conflict in Darfur. 

Fighting between the forces of former President Omar al-Bashir, backed by allied militia, and various rebel movements, left around 300,000 dead, according to UN estimates, and millions displaced. 

President al-Bashir was overthrown in April 2019 following unrest that began in December 2018. 

"We hope that this agreement is perceived as the start of a process that includes all in a positive move towards peace, justice and national unity. This includes the full realization of the hopes, dreams and aspirations of all the people of Sudan, including Darfuris", said Mr. Mamabolo. 

(With input from UN-African Union Mission in Darfur)