Kenyan Moi hails progress of Sudanese peace process
Jan 9, 2006 (JUBA) — Former Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi, founder of the Moi African Institute and custodian of the South-South dialogue which ended with the unity of southern factions under the leadership of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, has expressed his joy over the first anniversary of the signing of the Sudanese peace agreement.
According to the state-run SUNA news agency, he commended First Vice-President Salva Kiir and wife of late Vice-President John Garang Mrs Rebecca, plus efforts by the SPLM to overcome difficulties occasioned by John Garang’s death and the progress made in the implementation of the peace agreement.
In a speech made at the Peace Square in Juba during celebrations marking the Independence Day and first anniversary since the signing of the peace agreement, he said that just as the Moi Institute provides education, health and development services in southern Sudan, it also values peace.
The Ugandan vice-president Prof Gilbert Bukenya also congratulated the government and people of Sudan on the occasion of the first anniversary since the signing of the peace agreement and lauded Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and the international community for providing security and peace in Sudan for the implementation of all clauses in the agreement. He said that the agreement had closed all avenues to war and paved way for the establishment of a new society for the Sudanese people.
He said that peace in Sudan had become an example that others could use to solve their problems in the same way.
The celebrations included a military parade by the armed forces, SPLM forces and the joint police force and which was followed by national and traditional songs and dances.
(ST)