afrol News, 6 January - The Khartoum government and the SPLM/A pro-independence rebels of South Sudan have agreed on how to share the country's resources after a peace deal. A wealth-sharing agreement was seen as the last major obstacle for a final peace agreement, which could end 20 years of brutal warfare in Sudan.

The government of Sudan and the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) yesterday evening announced they had finally reached agreement on wealth-sharing during their Kenya-hosted talks. The agreement is to be to be officially signed tomorrow.

The open question had been who was to be in control of resources in South Sudan after a formal peace. The region is to obtain six years of autonomy, politically controlled by the SPLM, before a referendum over independence will be organised.

The central government in Khartoum, according to the new agreement, is to receive 50 percent of both oil and non-oil revenues from South Sudan during this period, while the other 50 percent will be controlled by local government.

Further, it was agreed, there will be Islamic banking - without interest rates - in the North, while there will be a Western type of banking in the South. Also a new national currency had to be created. Meanwhile, the North would continue to use the Sudanese dinar and the South will use the Sudanese pound.

After months of peace talks in Kenya, which also have involved top officials of the Khartoum regime and the SPLA/M, the foes now have agreed on two of the three most complicated issues. Late last year, security issues during the transition period found their solution; now, wealth-sharing is agreed upon.

The only remaining controversial issue is the status of three oil producing areas, located in an area contested by both parties. These regions - the Nuba Mountains, Abyei and Southern Blue Nile - have been the stage of the latest armed fighting between the two parties.

The Khartoum and SPLM/A representatives however have agreed to start negotiations on this issue immediately. Also the foreign negotiators are optimistic and expect that Sudan may see a final peace deal within one month.

This would put an end to Africa's most bloody civil war. The war, which has ravaged the country for 20 years, has cost 2 million Sudanese lives and has displaced further millions. Rich on natural resources, Sudan has the potential of being a wealthy nation.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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