EL-FASHER, 3 October 2008 (IRIN) - Some members of the rebel faction that recently fought government troops in North Darfur have signed a peace agreement with the state, but the accord is insignificant because none of the signatories has any clout, analysts said.

Six relatively unknown members of the Unified Command faction of the Sudan Liberation Army, also known as SLA-Unity, signed the agreement on 27 September with the North Darfur governor's adviser for peace and security.

They promised to develop human and natural resources, help displaced people return to their homes, ensure the security of Darfurians and share power and wealth accordingly.

High-ranking members of SLA-Unity have, however, rejected the deal, calling the six signatories "renegades who stole money and two vehicles from the movement and travelled from east Jebel Marra to North Darfur's capital El-Fasher without approval" from their leadership.

"Sudan Liberation Movement/[Army] command unity has not signed any agreement with the government," London-based SLA-Unity spokesman Mahgoub Hussein told IRIN by email.

The signatories had been charged and were being investigated by the rebel movement, he added, so they "fled and went to the government for fear of follow-up and prosecution by the justice movement".

The SLA-Unity was involved in fighting Sudanese government troops in the Khazan Tungur area south of El-Fasher three weeks ago. It accused the government of bombing the area, killing one civilian.

The government rejected claims of heavy attacks or deliberately targeting displaced people. However, the joint UN-African Union force in Darfur said reports had indicated "intense military activity was taking place".

No deal

Thousands of people were displaced, some forced to seek refuge in nearby mountains and forests. Aid workers said the violence had hindered their work, leaving many vulnerable people out of reach.

"It is an insignificant deal that has no effect whatsoever on the relation between SLA-Unity and the government because none of the signatories is prominent or has any clout within SLA-Unity," an observer, who requested anonymity, told IRIN.

North Darfur governor Osman Mohamed Yousif Kibir could not be reached for comment.

"Do you see us signing an agreement when we are in the midst of fighting?" said SLA-Unity General Commander Abubakr Kadu.

Another observer said: "There is propaganda going [round] that peace is slowly but surely being restored and that the government is doing everything it can to bring peace."

In July, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court announced that Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir could be indicted on war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide for his role in the Darfur conflict.

Analysts say the latest agreement is part of a strategy to create an impression that the Sudanese authorities are making peace in Darfur.

Related story: SUDAN: IDPs out of reach as violence hinders agencies

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