Sudan's Rebel Leaders Back in Khartum

Sudan's rebel leaders returned to the Sudanese capital of Khartum on Sunday, signifying a major step toward implementing a peace agreement with the Sudan transitional government .

A deal which is widely expected to end the country's decades-long civil wa r.

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo , vice chairman of the Sovereign Council as well as head of the Sudanese government's delegation for peace negotiations, went to the airport to welcome the rebel leaders.

" We are willing to work hard to overcome all difficulties, maintain the comprehensive and long-lasting peace and stability of Sudan, and work together with all partners in the transition period for the future of Sudan ," the vice-chairman said .

Crowds of local residents also held celebration events across Sudan to mark this progress.

The Sudanese government signed on October 3rd a comprehensive peace deal with opposition groups in the South Sudanese capital city of Juba to end decades of conflict in Darfur , Blue Nile and South Kordofan regions.

The agreement involves sharing of power and wealth, transitional justice, security, internally displaced persons ( IDPs ) and refugees. Both sides also agreed to facilitate access to humanitarian aid to displaced civilians.