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01/01/2005:

"Africa's prospects for peace brightened"

Signing of Sudanese power-sharing deal boosts hope of peace in Africa

Africa's prospects for peace brightened yesterday with the signing in Kenya of an accord to bring an end to Sudan's long-running conflict with southern rebels.

"The new year will be a year of peace and democracy in Sudan," vowed rebel leader Yasir Arman, according to Associated Press. "It will be the end of one of the longest wars in Africa."

Celebrations erupted in the streets of Khartoum at the news, with many southerners waving the rebel flag of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement. "Peace is a popular demand," said Abdullah Gomaa, a 28-year old southerner living in Khartoum.

The Sudanese agreement is the latest of several deals that have sparked hope that 2005 will see peace take hold in African regions that have been plagued by long-running conflicts.

Full Article : guardian.co.uk