Sudan Government, Rebels Sign Accords

Sudan’s government and rebel representatives signed accords Tuesday meant to end hostilities and guarantee aid groups access to 1.6 million people uprooted by conflict in Sudan’s western region of Darfur.

For the first time, Sudan agreed to the creation of “no-fly” zones over Darfur, banning military flights over rebel-held territories.

Rebels and African Union mediators had demanded the no-fly zones after widespread accusations that the government bombed villages.

Sudan signed the accords under international pressure, including the threat of United Nations sanctions, after 21 months of conflict. The agreements came in the third week of talks in Nigeria’s capital, after two previous rounds failed.