Southerners say time running out to save Sudan accord

• Parties in conflicting stands over progress realised from peace talks in Washington

Any return to civil war in Sudan would have a disastrous effect on the country, its oil industry -- which involves France’s Total , China’s CNPC , Malaysia’s Petronas and other leading operators -- and surrounding states.

Two million people died and 4 million fled their homes between 1983 and 2005 as north and south Sudan battled out differences in ideology, ethnicity and religion.

Following the CPA, the SPLM set up a government in the South, while a census was scheduled to be held across the country ahead of presidential, parliamentary and state legislative elections.

Rosy picture

The census was completed in 2008 but some southerners are already contesting the outcome. The logistical challenges of an election were also threatening to derail the process, Refugees International warned in a report.

A key sticking point in the CPA is the status of Abyei. The region was granted special administrative status and given the option to decide in a referendum in 2011 whether to join the South.

The fourth anniversary of the CPA was marked on January 9 in Malakal town. Earlier, Sudanese First Vice-President and President of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir painted a relatively rosy picture.

“As we begin contemplating life in the new year, it is equally important to look back and assess what we have achieved as citizens and institutions in 2008,” Mr Kiir told the nation in a new year’s message.

“One important achievement is that we managed to maintain peace and stability through the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. If we reflect back to those days before CPA, we can say for sure that we are now more peaceful and secure.”

Reports by Reuters and IRIN