SHRO urges Sudanese govt to implement UN resolution 1706

September 18, 2006 — On May 8, 2006, the Sudan Human Rights Organization welcomed, with caution, the Abuja Peace Agreement that had been signed by the Government of Sudan and a group of the Sudan Liberation Army on the 5th of May, 2006.

The agreement has not specified time tables for implementation, nor has it designed clear modalities to enforce provisions with respect to disarmament and the party responsible for it. Only one faction of the Sudanese Liberation army led by Arko Minawi adopted the agreement. The two other rebel groups, i.e., the Justice and Equality Movement and another faction of the Sudan Liberation Army have not signed the agreement. Other groups in the region rejected the agreement, according to a statement issued by councils almost including 17 Arab groups. Most recently, new armed groups emerged in further protest of the situation.

The non-cooperative response of the president and ruling party of the Government of National Unity (GONU) to the UN Resolution 1706 (to handover AU Mission to a well-equipped, efficient UN peacekeeping force to ensure the safety, property, and tranquility of the Darfur terrorized population in collaboration with the Government of Sudan and the Rebels of Darfur) is a reflection of a deep constitutional crisis: whereas the SPLM, the major partner of GONU, agreed with the Sudanese democratic opposition and civil society groups to the UN Resolution, the NIF-National Congress Party remains apprehensive of the establishment of the UN operation.

The Sudan Human Rights Organization expresses deep concerns about the State’s formal rejection of the United Nations’ peace-keeping process although the government had earlier promised to recognize the UN role before it signed Abuja Agreement.

• SHRO believes it is expedient that the UN assumed responsibility of the peace keeping mission be provided with the necessary competencies, as well as strong moral national and international support to be able to protect the victimized people of Darfur.

• The Organization emphasizes the GONU direct responsibilities to remove all restrictions from the international relief agencies and humanitarian organizations in Darfur in close cooperation with the UN.

• SHRO-Cairo reaffirms: the inconsistent positions of the GONU partners, as well as the President’s anti-UN stands will not ensure a stable, permanent, or comprehensive settlement for the worsening complexities of the Darfur Crisis.

• The need is stronger than ever before for an All-Sudanese National Constitutional Conference under the auspices of the United Nations based on full representation of the Sudanese Democratic Opposition and Civil Society Groups together with all partners of GONU and the different groups of the Darfur Rebels, as the only real path to establish the permanent, just, and comprehensive peace for the beleaguered region.