Organisers of an international conference due later this month on rebuilding Sudan’s war-torn Darfur region said yesterday they hope to raise $2bn for development projects. The March 21 meeting co-chaired by Egypt and Turkey “aims at sending a clear message to the international community that development is a key factor in achieving peace and stability in Darfur,” Egypt said in a statement. Organisers aim to raise the money to finance development in agriculture, water, healthcare and education, according to documents from the Egyptian authorities and the OIC. Representatives of the 57-member body will attend the conference along with delegates from other countries and from non-governmental organisations.