Communiqué From The Sudanese Christian Women Conference

We, the Sudanese Christian Women, met here in the 4th National Christian Women Conference on post-war Southern Sudan under the theme “Let us rebuild” (Neh. 2:17-18) from 4th to 7th May 2004, here in Khartoum. Acknowledging that the war has caused complete breakdown of cultural and traditional set up of all communities, and victimized mainly children and women.

Mindful that a peace agreement is eminent between the parties to the negotiations under IGAD forum;

Aware that there are challenges following the signing of peace agreement;

Recognizing the efforts and dedication of the parties to the negotiation so far;

Convinced that, women have greater role in post-war Sudan;
Having exhaustively deliberated on issues of concern and the challenges of post-war Sudan and guided by discussion on presentations during the conference, we feel, “now is the time to make everything new” as mandated by Revelation 21:5;

Therefore;

1. We urge the parties (SPLM, GOS and mediators) to walk the last mile to peace and to speedily reach an agreement which guarantees peace and justice for all.

2. We affirm that the rule of law should be the basis of governance in a post – war Sudan where transparency, openness, accountability and equity are the order of government; and that these values should be enshrined in a post-war constitution which takes stock of the diversities of the Sudanese communities and guarantee the rights of all the Sudanese people.

3. We urge the church and the future post-war government to intensify South-South, inter-faith and inter-denominational dialogue at all levels in order to realize reconciliation, forgiveness and love.

4. We call upon both the private and public sectors to ensure the full participation of women in all their structures.

5. We call on the church to stand firm in the prevention of corrupt practices.

6. We call on the post-war government to prioritize the issue of children affected by war with regard to their education and rights and to discourage discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS

7. We stand in solidarity with the people of Darfur and urge the parties to the conflict to resolve the conflict peacefully.

8. We call on the post -war governments to work with the civil societies in the process of reconciliation and forgiveness to ensure participation of women in the private and public sectors of post-war Sudan.

In conclusion, we reiterate our commitment to work for a just, peaceful and Godly Sudan.

Done in Khartoum
On 7th May 2004