Sudan’s Kiir to visit Egypt after swearing-in

CAIRO, Aug 9, 2005 (Sudan Tribune) — Sudanese official sources in Cairo have said that the new leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Salva Kiir will make a foreign tour to some countries, including Egypt, after his swearing-in to take over as Sudanese first vice-president, in accordance with the peace agreement concluded between the government and the SPLM.

Salva Kiir, the new leader of SPLA/M, makes a point during a mourning for former rebel leader John Garang in Yei village in Southern Sudan August 5, 2005. (Reuters).

In statements to the Middle East News Agency (MENA), the sources said Salva Kiir’s tour, of which Egypt would be the main leg, aimed to acquaint officials in these countries with the reality of the situation in Sudan, especially in areas of the south.

He would also emphasize adherence to Sudan’s unity, achieving peace and commitment to Naivasha agreement.

The sources affirmed that the situation inside the movement was more intact than ever and Kiir and the movement leaderships were working hard to restore calmness in all Sudanese areas, especially in Khartoum and Juba.

The sources pointed out that Kiir had never disagreed with John Garang, Sudanese first vice-president, who died in a helicopter crash recently.

He had been his deputy for 13 successive years and one of the movement’s co-founders. He affirmed that he would follow the way of Garang who had devoted his life to peace and Sudan’s unity.