Talks between the Government and rebel groups in Sudan over resolving the conflict in the Darfur region reopened in Abuja on 16 September.

Already, representatives of the government and various factions of the rebel groups have arrived for the talks, which is taking place under the auspices of the African Union.

The two groups had signed a "Declaration of Principles" on 5 July in Abuja as an expression of confidence in the peace process.

A representative of the Sudanese government and those of the Sudan Liberation Army as well as the Justice and Equity Movement signed the Declaration.

The talks have already suffered several adjournments.

There is however an air of optimism that the new round of talks could lead to more permanent peace accord against the background of the region's yet-to-be resolved humanitarian crisis.