Mistrust festers” despite Ugandan-Sudanese deal : Ugandan paper
By the Monitor
KAMPALA, April 18, 2004 — Even as mistrust festers between Uganda and Sudan, the two countries have signed a major agreement in a joint ministerial commission that last convened in 1990.
But left unresolved, was a host of controversial issues related to security, refugees, immigration and trade between the two east African neighbours.
In a final statement, following the two days of talks, the countries announced the signing of a “framework cooperation agreement” and two other accords.
The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA’s) rebellion has devastated northern Uganda killing tens of thousands and displacing over 1.5 million people.
Uganda’s Deputy Prime Minister and Public Service Minister, Henry Kajura hailed the agreements signed Friday, 16 April, as a step toward “renewal and reinvigoration” of relations between the states.
Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Maj Tom Butime represented Uganda while his counterpart, Dr Mustafa Uthman Isma’il led the Sudan team. The Ugandan team was 50-man strong.
The aspects agreed on included: Agriculture, fisheries, animal resources and voluntary repatriation of Sudanese refugees.
During the talks, officials were also optimistic about a proposal on an extradition treaty, which however got held back by disagreement. It was consequently postponed.
Butime later told journalists that: “on the question of extradition, that matter was left to be discussed in the next session in 2005.”
He also said that the meeting attempted to reach agreement on security matters but failed. “The Sudanese are not here to tell us what they have not done about Kony,” Butime said.
The head of the Sudanese military intelligence, Maj-Gen Mahjub Ahmad Abdallah, also attended the two-day talks.
Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa repeated his country’s commitment to end the LRA war.
“We are dealing with LRA and this is going on very well,” said Mustafa who was careful not to delve into details.
The two countries agreed on establishment of consulates in Juba and Gulu for Uganda respectively.
Uganda has long voiced accusations against Sudan for supporting the LRA as Khartoum counter claims that Kampala backs the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA).
The quarrels led to severing of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1995.