Commit to CPA, Kenya urges Sudan nations

Kenya wants both Sudan nations to continue with the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement after a historic vote for secession.

Congratulating Southern Sudanese for a peaceful vote, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said it is ready to work with the new country when it begins its journey in July.

“On its part, Kenya appreciates the choice made by the Southern Sudanese and looks forward to working closely with the new State when established in accordance with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA),” the Ministry, headed by Prof George Saitoti in an acting capacity, said in a statement Wednesday

“In this regard, Kenya is ready to enhance its co-operation with Southern Sudan so as to help the latter to eventually take its rightful place within the community of nations.”

“However, while recognising the imminent separation of South Sudan, it should be recalled that there are still a few but weighty issues of the CPA that remain outstanding and which must be addressed fully by both parties within the interim period, ending July 9, 2011.”

Kenya further urged the National Congress Party from the north and Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement/Army, which signed the CPA, to “work together with mutual respect in the remaining months and adhere to the road map spelt out in the “Framework Document” signed in Khartoum on 13th November 2010, on the implementation of the pending and post-referendum issues.”

“Kenya is confident that post-referendum compromises will provide the basis for the existence of the two (northern and southern) as viable stable, secure and prosperous States living in peace with one another and with their neighbours,” the statement said.

As one of the guarantors of the CPA, Kenya added that it will continue to advocate the full implementation of all the remaining provisions of the CPA and to work closely with and support both North and Southern Sudan “in this vital endeavour".

The official results, which show Southern Sudanese overwhelmingly voted for secession in the weeklong January referendum, were released on Monday.

Kenya thanked the Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC) for successfully organising and concluding the exercise. 

“The Government of Kenya further hails the courage and steadfastness of the Government of National Unity and the Government of Southern Sudan under the leadership of H.E. President Omar Al Bashir and the First Vice-President, H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Maryadit respectively, which has made this momentous occasion possible,” the statement said.

Kenya was also happy with the observers' verdict that the results were credible and that no one contested it.