Push for peace stepped up as Sudan poll nears

The world on Monday joined hands to help prevent Sudan from going back to war following fears of instability posed by next month’s elections and referendum set for January 2011.

Representatives of the African Union, the European Union and the United States piled up pressure on the two key parties that signed a peace deal that ended Africa’s longest civil war in 2005 to bury their differences ahead of the polls.

Kenya was joined by fellow members of Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad), the 27-member EU, the AU and the US, among others, in conveying the message to President Omar al-Bashir’s National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

The two parties were urged “to rise to the occasion and turn the challenges facing the country into opportunities and uncertainty into certainty ahead of the polls”. Although they signed a historic peace deal in 2005, ending a 21-year war between the south and the north, the parties are currently entangled in disputes over the impending elections and handling of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), sparking fears of a return to conflict.

Tensions have been rising in the south among rival communities and already scores of people have been killed in clashes. There are also reports of both Juba and Khartoum stock-piling arms for a possible war after the referendum, especially if the south votes to secede.

Heads of State and governments from Igad are expected in Kenya on Tuesday to ratify recommendations of the Council of Ministers. Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetang’ula set the ball rolling by saying that yesterday’s meeting that brought together NCP and SPLM leaders was not meant for them to be defensive or accuse each other “but to see them partner”.

“We in the region fully appreciate the desire and need for Sudan to be peaceful and stable. A peaceful Sudan is a peaceful Horn of Africa as it shares the border with nine countries. Its stability impacts on all its neighbours, Africa and the whole world,” Mr Wetang’ula said.

He said although significant progress had been registered since the peace accord was signed, much remained to be done. The parties, needed to commit themselves to the spirit and intent of the CPA, he said, adding that the demarcation of the boundaries between south and north had been delayed. Also delayed were the integration of forces and disbandment of militias, he said.

The achievements, Mr Wetang’ula noted, included the adoption of a new constitution that formed the government of national unity, and the establishment of National Petroleum and other commissions on the judiciary and boundaries, and Multi-donor Fund Trust.

“Kenya urges all parties to create an enabling environment to spur growth in both south and north,” said the minister, noting that the 35th extraordinary session of the Igad Council of Ministers, which preceded Monday’s meeting of heads of government, was called “to listen to parties in Sudan”.

US President Barack Obama’s special envoy to the Sudan peace process, Major-General Scott Gration, said the country still needed to do some hard work as some components of the CPA had not been implemented. He said the international community was ready to assist to ensure it was enforced.

Igad executive director Mahboub Maalim said there was need for Sudan and the international community to focus on the period before and after the country’s referendum. The April elections will be Sudan’s first democratic ones for the last 25 years. “We should ensure the CPA protocols are fully operationalised,” Mr Maalim said.

The Igad boss called for the formation of a high-powered team from the organisation to work with the two parties. Sudan’s Foreign Affairs minister Deng Alor acknowledged that Africa’s biggest country was facing many challenges as it approached the last year of the interim period.

“We will do whatever is possible to implement the CPA. It is a model for unity which will be tested in the referendum next year,” he said in a speech read on his behalf by the minister of State, a Mr Mutsif. Mr Deng described the coming elections as tough, adding: “Peace is more than ending war. We need to cater for the welfare of our people and better the whole aspects of their lives.”

The chairman of the Assessment and Evaluation Commission of the Sudan peace process, Sir Derek Plumbly, said 2010 was a crucial year for the country and that there was need for a new sense of urgency for the discussion between former foes who had turned partners.
The high number of parties that have registered for the April elections, he said, was central to the democratic transformation of the mineral-rich nation. The voters needed confidence to take part in the elections, he said.