Security Council to consider Sudan peace mission

By Mark Turner, Financial Times

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 08, 2003 — The UK has asked the United Nations Security Council to take a first step towards possible deployment of peacekeepers in Sudan. The request came amid hope that peace talks starting in Kenya yesterday could negotiate an end to 20 years of civil war.

As part of a “troika” of nations helping broker a peace deal, Britain this week tabled a “presidential statement” that would allow the UN to plan future operations in Sudan. The civil war has pitted the Khartoum-based government against southern secessionists since 1983.

The recent development of extensive oilfields in Sudan, one of Africa’s largest and poorest states, exacerbated a conflict often painted as a battle between Muslims and Christians, Arabs and Africans.

Listed by the US as a state sponsor of terrorism, Khartoum was accused of a “scorched earth” campaign in the oilfields. Investors in the country faced strong criticism from an alliance of human rights groups, African Americans and Christian groups.

After September 11 2001, however, the government has worked to re-engage with the US and international community and end the war. Over the past year it reached agreement with the south for a referendum on self-determination after six years, and on security arrangements – including downsizing forces and the integration of some military units. The current talks aim to cement a deal over power sharing, wealth sharing and the status of disputed areas.

Despite earlier resistance, diplomats say the Khartoum government and the south are now ready to grant the UN a larger role.

Norwegian officials said this could include an observer mission to oversee a ceasefire and a greater role in fostering development.