Rebel Darfur group agrees to cease-fire

DOHA, Qatar, March 18 (UPI) -- A major Darfur rebel group has signed a cease-fire agreement with Sudan, leaving just one rebel group still in the conflict, the government said Thursday.

The framework peace accord signed by Sudan and the Liberation and Justice Movement calls for an end to fighting between the rebels and government troops, the BBC reported.

"This is an important step which will give momentum to peace efforts in Darfur," said Sudan's Vice President Ali Osman Taha who attended the signing in Doha, Qatar.

On Wednesday the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) along with five other groups agreed to coordinate their positions and work for unity, the Sudan Tribune reported.

A JEM spokesman said the deal constitutes proof of JEM's seriousness.

So far one key rebel group, a faction of the Sudan Liberation Army, has refused any negotiations with the Sudanese government.

Earlier this month, the group engaged in clashes with the army in the heart of Darfur.