EU Donates Sh36 Billion to Rebuild Southern Sudan

By Ochieng’ Sino

Nairobi, Oct 07, 2003 (The East African) — The European Union has earmarked more than 400 million Euros (about KSh36.4 billion) for the reconstruction of Southern Sudan.

The money to be channelled through the European Development Fund (ED) is pegged on the agreement of power sharing and a lasting peace process between the North and the South.

Yesterday, Kenyan French Embassy First Counsellor, Mr Antoine Anfre, said his government’s contribution of the earmarked fund was 24 per cent of the total amount.

Anfre in the presence of France Ambassador Mr Pierre Jacquemot and France Special Envoy to Sudan Mr Henri de Coignac told journalists at the French Embassy that they were major contributors to the EDF kitty.

Jacquemot said the reconstruction programmes currently being drawn for the South include health, education and training.

He said France had found it important to develop a relation with the South as it had already established strong links with Khartoum.

The special envoy to Sudan said he met Dr John Garang in Rumbek on October 1 where he conveyed a special message from the French Government.

Coignac said he was optimistic that the agreement would lead to further progress in the Sudanese peace talks.

He said a global agreement on the Sudan issue would pave way for increased French development co-operation with southern Sudan.

During the meeting with Dr Garang in Rumbek, Mr Coignac presented him with an invitation letter from French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Dominique de Villepin.

In the letter, Mr Coignac said, Dr Garang was invited to visit Paris at a mutually agreed date.

“Dr Garang accepted the invitation and said he wished to go at the earliest possible moment,” the special envoy said.

He said the French Government will fully support the implementation of peace programmes in Sudan.