*JOINT DECLARATION OF*

*SUDAN LIBERATION MOVEMENT* /A,
*JUSTICE AND EQUALITY MOVEMENT SUDAN*,
& *SUDAN LIBERATION MOVEMENT–TRANSITIONAL COUNCIL*
7 May 2018

Recognizing that the establishment of a durable peace is essential for all people of Sudan;

Remaining resolved to adhere to the AUHIP Roadmap Agreement of 2016 as the means of achieving peace
for all Sudan;

Requesting that political negotiations should start immediately to end the ongoing conflict by peaceful means;

Noting with deep concern the Government of Sudan’s multiple and repeated violations of its own unilateral Cessation of Hostilities declarations, most recently exemplified by its condemnable and barbaric attacks on civilians in Jebel Marra, which resulted in the further mass displacement of civilians;

Deeply disturbed by the Government of Sudan’s continued violations of international law and attacks against civilians, including attacks on internally displaced persons camps in Darfur;

Further deploring the Government of Sudan’s continued detention of political leaders and activists with a blatant disregard to international humanitarian law, and thus calling for the immediate release of all political detainees and prisoners of war;

Seeking action from the international community to put an end to the Government of Sudan’s policies and acts of violence in Darfur with particular regard to the recent attacks on civilians, to condemn the Government’s violations of its own cessation of hostilities, and to pursue guarantees for unimpeded humanitarian access to Darfur;

Recalling the Sudan Revolutionary Front’s (SRF) prior declarations on unilateral Cessations of Hostilities, dated 17 October 2015, 21 April 2016, and 31 October 2016; the Justice and Equality Movement’s and the Sudan Liberation Movement/A’s prior declarations on unilateral Cessations of Hostilities for Darfur, dated 3 May 2017 and 30 November 2017; and their further declarations joined with Sudan Liberation Movement- Transitional Council, dated 31 November 2017 and 31 January 2018;

The Sudan Liberation Movement lead by Minni Minnawi (SLM/A), the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), and Sudan Liberation Movement–Transitional Council (SLM–TC) hereby declare an immediate unilateral Cessation of Hostilities for Humanitarian Purposes.

The objectives of the extended Cessation of Hostilities are to protect civilians, provide unhindered humanitarian access to war-affected populations, and create a conducive environment for peace talks.

The Cessation of Hostilities shall enter into force at 11:59pm (SLT) on the 7th of May 2018 and will extend for 3 months to 11:59pm (SLT) on 6th of August 2018. The Cessation of Hostilities shall apply throughout the conflict areas of Darfur.

The JEM, SLM/A, and SLM–TC commit that they will not initiate an attack or wage an offensive, and all armed groups under their control shall comply with the Cessation of Hostilities. The Cessation of Hostilities shall not prejudice against acts of self-defense, acts for the protection of civilians, or acts against uncoordinated moving targets within or around the conflict areas.

Minni Arko Minnawi Chairperson
SLM/A
Dr. Gibril Ibrahim Mhd Chairperson
JEM
Alhadi Idriss Chairperson SLM–TC