The Darfur region of Western Sudan has not enjoyed peace since an uprising by Darfurian rebels resulted in a bloody conflict with government-backed Janjaweed militias more than four years ago. According to the United Nations, more than 450,000 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless since the start of the conflict. The UN-backed peace talks are due to start in Tripoli on October 27th and all the parties involved in the conflict are expected to be represented.

The Sudanese president, Omar al-Bashir, met with Pope Benedict XV1 on Friday September 14 in Rome. "Very positive views were expressed concerning fresh peace negotiations for Darfur," the Vatican said following the 25-minute meeting.

Pope Benedict XVI offered his "heart-felt hope" for the success of the talks and that he will do whatever is possible to end what he called the "horror" of Darfur. At the end of the meeting, the Holy Father gave his prayer for peace and hope that the coming negotiations will be successful in order to put an end to the suffering and insecurity of the people of Darfur. This meeting is very significant not only because of the Pontiff’s spiritual authority over the Christian faith and influence in world issues, but the visit by an Islamic leader goes a long way to demonstrate that Muslims and Christians could work together to promote  peace in the world. The often-perceived differences between people of different faiths have occasionally pitched one group against the other. The government has essentially offered an olive branch to the Darfur rebels by proposing a ceasefire during the talks.

The question bothering the minds of many people familiar with the Sudanese crisis is: Is the Sudanese president simply using the opportunity to boost his battered image before the international community in order to gain credibility?

If this is the case, then the much awaited peace talks are bound for another ‘promise made, promise broken.’ It is hoped that the ceasefire will not be violated as it has been with many previous agreements. Let us join forces with the Pope and pray that peace will return to Darfur so that the displaced communities can return to face the task of reconstruction and reconciliation.

-Joseph Effiong