"The agreement reached between the United States, the Sudanese government and the SPLM, which is intended to stop attacks on civilians, is an important step forward in the peace process in Sudan," said Minister of International Development Hilde F. Johnson. "It can pave the way for a broader commitment to peace in the country. The government has also agreed to an international monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance with the agreement, which is very encouraging."

The agreement was the last of four measures proposed by John Danforth, US special envoy to Sudan, to confirm the parties’ commitment to peace. They also included a humanitarian ceasefire in the Nuba Mountains, a separate commission for proposing measures to combat abductions and slavery, and the extension of areas of tranquility to allow for preventive health care.