Sudan and Chad agreed on Tuesday to end their proxy wars and engage in direct talks and joint development projects to rebuild their war-affected border areas.
The Chadian President made a surprise visit to Khartoum for talks with Sudan’s President on Monday, after relations between the African oil producers hit rock bottom. Each capital had supported rebels fighting the other's government.
[Idriss Deby, Chadian President]:
“I have decided to come to Khartoum with an open heart and hands outstretched to my brother Omar Bashir and the Sudanese people to turn a new page in Sudanese-Chadian relations.”
He called on the armed Chadian opposition groups to participate in Chad's elections and win power through the ballot box, not with bullets.
[Idriss Deby, Chadian President]:
"From here I send an urgent appeal to my brothers in different Darfur factions to stop hostilities immediately."
The president invited his Sudanese counterpart, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes in Darfur, to visit Chad's capital in the coming days.
[Omar Hassan al-Bashir, Sudanese President]:
"We have overturned the page of our differences and disputes between the two states. From today, our common battle is the realization of peace, security and stability for the affluence of the people of the two states."
Sudanese and Chadian authorities will keep regular direct contact. Bashir's adviser says the two were working to get a joint border patrol force on the ground. The pair is also preparing to build a road between Abeche in Chad and el-Geneina in Darfur.
A protocol, signed by both sides, states that neither country will host rebel forces from the other side, and insurgents will be encouraged to join electoral or political processes.