SSDF Press Statement on breakdown of reconciliation talks with SPLA

Southern Sudan Defense Forces (SSDF)

Motivated by the spirit of nationalism, unity and inclusivity for the general security, stability, and harmony of southern Sudan, and the intrinsic happiness of our peoples, the SSDF hereby wishes to inform all national, regional and international communities on the causes of the breakdown of the reconciliation conference/meeting between the SSDF and the SPLA.

Whereby the SSDF has come to Nairobi (Kenya) saturated with the spirit of brotherhood and reciprocity that are the basis for a harmonious southern Sudan;

Whereby the SSDF believes in equity and universal equality as between and among the peoples of southern Sudan;

Whereby the SSDF rejects every type of marginalisation and subjugation exercised upon the peoples of southern Sudan by any military and political organisation; and

Whereby the SSDF believes in universal positive participation of all sons and daughters of southern Sudan in the administration of their motherland and notwithstanding any political or military agreements in the Sudan.

The SSDF therefore reiterates its conviction for a peaceful southern Sudan within the remit of the comprehensive peace agreement (CPA), and the SSDF wishes to articulate that, the CPA ought not to become a political obstacle for harmonious coexistence in southern Sudan, nor should it become a tool for the marginalisation of the sons and daughters of southern Sudan. The SSDF wants to inform the whole world that, it is behind the CPA and it is anxious for the sovereignty and stability of the Sudan.

The SSDF would like to inform the international community that, through its negotiating committee, it has reached a consensus with the SPLA on various issues within the framework of this reconciliation conference and they include: –

PART A: – FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF SSDF and SPLA INTEGRATION

1. The parties have agreed to integrate their forces;

2. The parties agreed to immediate cessation of military, and all other forms of hostilities and commit themselves to permanent cease-fire, in all areas in southern Sudan under their respective control;

3. The parties hereby commit themselves to safeguard and implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA); and

4. The parties agreed to abide by the terms of the CPA; and to use it as a guiding document.

PART B: GRIEVANCESE AND RECONCILIATION

The parties having acknowledged that political and military mistakes have been committed during the liberation struggle, and recognising the untold suffering of the people of Southern Sudan, hereby express their commitment and determination to leave behind the past and to resolve all their differences through dialogue, forgiveness and reconciliation; and further agreed to promote reconciliation and peace among the people of Southern Sudan.

PART C: INTERGRATION OF THE SSDF and SPLA FORCES

Points of Agreement:

1. The parties have agreed on the formation of an integrated and unified army in southern Sudan composed of the SSDF and SPLA forces. This unified army shall be part of national army as per the CPA, (Article 1b), Security Arrangement, page 87.

2. The parties agreed that the character of the integrated and unified army should be national, professional, non-partisan, and regionally and ethnically representative.

At this juncture, the SSDF would like to express their concern regarding those issues that did not generate any agreement, and these are: –

1. The SPLA’s position is that the two forces should integrate under the name of the SPLA until such time when the legislators of Southern Sudan shall determine the name of the integrated army after the Interim Period;

2. Whereas the SSDF maintains that the two forces should integrate under the name of South Sudan Armed Forces (SSAF), until such time when the legislators of Southern Sudan shall determine the name of the said forces; and

3. The SSDF demands its constitutional right of representation within the remit of the government of national unity, through out the governmental institutions within the framework of the government of southern Sudan, and various states’ governments therein.

3.

The SSDF objects to the name SPLA because: –

1. The name SPLA does not imply anything close to a southern Sudanese army;

2. This army shall be an SPLM (party) army, which does not reflect the characteristics of a non-partisan army;

3. The name SPLA implies the continuation of the former rebel army with its historical loyalty and control to and by the SPLM as the political wing of the SPLA; and

4. SSDF rejects the condition that, for it to benefit from southern Sudanese defense budget, it ought to be assimilated into SPLA.

The SSDF would like to assure the international community and all the friends of the people of southern Sudan that:-

1. It is very keen to continue with the letter and spirit of brotherly and cordial dialogue with the SPLA to arrive at a functional agreement that shall promote the unity of our people and the positive implementation of the CPA;

2. The SSDF is also keen to continue with this dialogue and the involvement of the government of Sudan, and all related international organisations including the IGAD and the government of Kenya; and

3. The SSDF would like to inform the international community that, it is ready to continue with these discussions inside and outside the country (Sudan) with the SPLA in order that we reach a viable reconciliation agreement to ensure a concrete stability in the Sudan in general and the southern Sudan in particular.

Therefore, the SSDF hereby declares that, this its nationalistic position as regards the reconciliation of the Sudanese people in general and the southern Sudanese people in particular.

– Brigadier Gathoth Gatkouth,
Spokesman SSDF