On July 20, 2005, NMRD and Sudanese government representatives, led by Sharif Omar Badur, met in Al Fasher in northern Darfur to discuss ways of furthering cooperation in a United Nations and African Union monitored meeting. On July 23, 2005, NMRD signed a ceasefire agreement with the Sudanese government, agreeing to a mutual exchange of prisoners of war and allowing aid groups to deliver relief to local citizens.