By Alexa Huffman

So there may be good news for the people of Darfur. On Thursday African leaders  met in Nigeria to discuss how to end the region’s six-year conflict.

The African Union Peace and Security Council studied recommendations and “critically examined the situation in Darfur”. Their goal is to create a hybrid court with foreign and Sudanese judges working together to convict the people suspected of committing crimes against humanity.

Also suggested was a truth and reconciliation commission and to consider reparation for losses in the conflict.

The peace council is an important step in letting Africa handle one of its major problems. The African Union has said the “time to act is now”. They want to convince the people of Darfur justice will be taken, that there will be a participation of Darfurians in April 2010 Sudan elections.

The new hybrid justice system would be under close scrutiny to see if it will work for other problems in Africa and if there needs to be better alternatives for Darfur.

The U.S. and Britain are pleased by the report, calling it “bold, serious, candid” and “comprehensive.”

Implementing the recommendations will probably be the hardest part. In reading about the peace talks, that is all they seem to be, talks, not action. It is easy to talk about the change that needs to be made, all the justice that needs to be served, but will the talks go forward in the end? As I read, I hope. If there can be a strong foot forward, perhaps there will be peace that these Darfurians so desperately deserve. I guess we will have to wait and see. Keep our fingers crossed.

Sources:

http://tripolipost.com/articledetail.asp?c=1&i=3738