Khartoum has to lure southerners towards unity, says Garang

Khartoum, Jan 31, 2005 (PANA) – Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) leader John Garang warned here Monday that it was up to the authorities in Khartoum to convince southerners about the unity option at the end of a six-year interim period that would culminate in a referendum on independence for the south.

“Southerners shall not vote for unity that makes them second-class citizens. The central government must, during the interim period double efforts to make southerners convinced, not by words but actions, that they belong equally to the united Sudan,” Garang told thousands of supporters at a rally here.

“The challenge of a united Sudan is entirely that of the north. It has to demonstrate genuine goodwill towards the south,” he said in his address to the gathering, delivered by phone from the SPLM/A temporary capital of Rumbek.

Under a landmark peace agreement signed last 9 January between Khartoum and the SPLM/A in Nairobi, Kenya to end two decades of war, Garang is to head an autonomous administration for the south during the six-year interim period.

He said the south, which is larger than Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda put together has been without tarmac roads “since the days of Adam and Eve,” declaring that Juba, the capital city of the south will be connected with tarmac roads to Wau, Malakal, Kosti, and from Juba to Gulu in Uganda and Loishokio in Kenya.

Railway lines will also be built from Uganda and Kenya to Juba and Wau, during the interim period, Garang affirmed.

Last Saturday, the SPLM/A opened its offices in Khartoum in a ceremony that was also attended by representatives of northern opposition parties.

“This is an historic moment,” SPLM/A executive committee member Paul Thomas told reporters at the inauguration ceremony.