Eastern Sudan peace talks – Declaration of Principles, ceasefire accord
Declaration of Principles for the Resolution of the Conflict in Eastern Sudan
Preamble
We the Government of Sudan (GOS) and the Eastern Front (EF), henceforth referred to as the parties, meeting in Asmara, Eritrea, under the auspices of the Government of the State of Eritrea and on the basis of the agreement on procedural issues that we signed on May 25,2006;
Reaffirming our commitment to the unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Sudan;
Convinced that Sudan can prosper and flourish in peace only when it ensures equitable participation and development of its people throughout the country;
Determined to address the root causes of the conflict in Eastern Sudan, ensure stability and security and find a lasting peaceful settlement that benefits the people of Eastern Sudan and the whole country;
Committing ourselves to respect the integrity of the talks and the mediation and to negotiate in good faith;
Taking into consideration what has followed from the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 9 January 2005 as well as the particularities of Eastern Sudan;
Agree that the following principles shall form the basis of a just and lasting peaceful settlement of the conflict in Eastern Sudan
1. Unity with recognition of and respect for diversity, protection of the fundamental freedoms and rights of citizens, devolution of powers within a federal system, and equitable distribution of national wealth are essential foundations for a united, peaceful, just and prosperous Sudan.
2. Political, economic, social and cultural marginalization constitutes the core problem of Eastern Sudan.
3. Effective participation and representation in all government institutions and at various levels shall be ensured for the people of Eastern Sudan.
4. A fair share of national resources and affirmative action to address past inequalities as well as sustained social, economic and cultural development are key to a just and lasting settlement.
5. Security arrangements for the consolidation of peace shall be addressed as part of an overall agreement.
6. Rehabilitation of war-affected areas will be given priority and assistance provided to refugees and internally displaced people to return to their homes.
7. The Parties commit themselves to involve the people of Eastern Sudan from the beginning of the peace process; and to convene an Eastern Sudan Consultative Conference to ensure support for, and active participation in the implementation of, a Comprehensive Agreement.
8. The parties undertake to immediately cease all military hostilities and to maintain a military stand-down during the negotiations on the basis of the “Agreement on Creating a Conducive Environment for Peace” signed on 19 June 2006.
9. All Agreements reached by the parties shall be incorporated in the Interim National Constitution.
Asmara, June 19, 2006/
– For Government of Sudan
Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismael,
Advisor for President of the Sudan Republic
– For the Eastern Front of Sudan
Alseied Musa Mohamed Ahmad,
Chairman of the Eastern Front
– For the Government of Eritrea
Mr. Yemane Ghebreab,
Head of the Political Affairs People’s
Front For Democracy and Justice
Agreement to Create a Conducive Atmosphere for Peace
We, the Government of Sudan and the Eastern Front, hereby referred to as the parties;
Confirming our commitment to arrive at a negotiated just political solution to the problem of Eastern Sudan;
Adhering to our commitment to immediately cease all military hostilities and to maintain a military stand-down in the Eastern Front during the negotiations;
Confirming our commitment to work towards creating a conducive atmosphere for peace;
Agree on the following
1. Cease all attacks on the military personnel and positions and seizure of property and equipment of the other side.
2. Refrain from all acts of violence against civilians, as well as threats directed at them and their forceful displacement.
3. Cease all attacks on developmental, economic and social services infrastructure and institutions.
4. Refrain from supporting armed groups that are opposed to peace.
5. Cease all hostile propaganda and media campaigns.
6. Cooperate in observing and respecting the cessation of hostilities and work to contain and resolve problems that might occur.
7. Endeavor to create a conducive atmosphere that encourages the return of internally displaced people and refugees to their homes.
8. Establish a tri-partite committee, composed of representatives of the Government of Sudan, the Eastern Front and the Government of Eritrea to monitor this agreement and agree that the committee would meet immediately after the signing of this agreement.
The two parties commit to take further steps as conditions permit to build confidence between them and create a conducive atmosphere for the peace process. These steps would include:-
a. Lifting of the state of emergency in Eastern Sudan.
b. Releasing all prisoners of war and all those detained because of their links to the problem of Eastern Sudan.
c. Implementing the agreement between the Government of Sudan and the movement of the “Free Lions” signed in Tripoli on June 14, 2000, and its implementation protocol of December 24, 2005.
Asmara, June 19, 2006
– For Government of Sudan
Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismael,
Advisor for President of the Sudan Republic
– For the Eastern Front of Sudan
Alseied Musa Mohamed Ahmad,
Chairman of the Eastern Front
– For the Government of Eritrea
Mr. Yemane Ghebreab,
Head of the Political Affairs People’s
Front For Democracy and Justice