- After 21 years of war between Sudan's north and south, the Khartoum government and the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) today signed a final peace accord in Kenya. The two parties had agreed on the last outstanding issues, including power sharing in South Sudan and the future status of three disputed regions.
- This indeed is a momentous occasion in the history of our country, SPLM/A leader John Garang said after signing the final peace accords. The agreement puts an end to over 20 years of war and marks the beginning of an autonomous government for South Sudan, headed by Mr Garang. In six years, South Sudanese may opt for total independence in a referendum.
Also Sudan's Vice-President Ali Osman Taha, who has led the Kenya-based negotiations on behalf of the Khartoum government, found reasons to celebrate. "This is a day for Sudan, for peace, development and stability," said the otherwise modest Vice-President after having left his signature on the three outstanding accords.
The Sudan peace negotiations have lasted for almost two years and have suffered a long list of setbacks on their road to fulfilment today. In July 2002, the parties agreed on autonomy for South Sudan, which was to be followed by a referendum over independence after a transition period of six years. The so-called Machakos Protocol also did off with the Muslim shari'a laws in predominantly Christian South Sudan.
In September last year, the two warring parties finally reached a military and security accord, giving South Sudan the right of maintaining its own army. Since that, also a ceasefire has been observed, although fighting has occurred right until the signing of the final accords today.
In January this year, the SPLA/M and the Khartoum government agreed upon wealth sharing issues; especially on how the oil revenues are to be shared between the central government and the autonomous government in the south. It was thus believed that a breakthrough on the remaining issues would come with days or weeks, but the negotiations have been plagued by several setbacks during the last months.
Today, the two final issues were finally agreed upon. The accords signed today settle the final status of three disputed areas - the Nuba Mountains, Southern Blue Nile and Abyei - and set up power-sharing arrangements between SPLA/M and the Khartoum government.
While the final peace accords now have been signed, the peace process is however still far from over. There is still occasional fighting going on in the disputed areas and a final ceasefire still has to be agreed upon and implemented. The implementation of a ceasefire is complicated by the large number of militias operating in the region, which to a higher or lower degree listen to orders from SPLA/M or Khartoum.
To secure the peace, the Sudanese parties have urged assistance from the international community. There are well developed plans of establishing a UN peacekeeping force, which also would be left to disarm the many militia groups. While several countries involved in the peace process, such as Norway, have pledges to send peacekeepers to Sudan, a UN mission would however take some time to fund and establish.
After peace and security is established, the impoverished region of South Sudan needs to start developing into a semi-state with proper administrative functions. As the SPLA/M is to take over power, the ex-rebels will need training and advisers to establish a proper administration.
So far, not even the further capital of South Sudan exists. An administration centre in the middle of the war-ravaged region is still only on the drawing table, although some modest construction works already have started. South Sudan currently is a semi-state without anything.
To facilitate the construction of this new political entity, the international peace facilitators already have pledged to give the South Sudanese substantial aid as soon as peace is assured.
Norway within short time is to host an international donors' conference to "ensure that the country received broad international support for the implementation of the peace agreement and for reconstruction," Norwegian Development Minister Hilde Frafjord Johnson said after attending the signing ceremony in Kenya today. Ms Johnson further promised kroner 300 million (US$ 43 million) Norwegian aid for this task.
But for now, the Sudanese and world leaders celebrate the signing of the last of Sudan peace accords. The peace deal was hailed by the international community. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said the peace accords paved the way for "a comprehensive settlement of the conflict in southern Sudan," and stressed the UN's "interest and readiness" to support this process.
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