SPLM objects to the expulsion of Canada, EU envoys from Sudan
By Wasil Ali
August 26, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — The Southern partners in Sudan’s government of national unity expressed anger over the expulsion of western envoys last week.
Unidentified sources told daily Al-Hayat newspaper published in London that Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLM) protested the government’s decision on the grounds that it was taken without consultation.
Sudan announced Thursday the expulsion of the European Commission’s representative and the Canadian diplomat for “interfering” in the country’s affairs due to unacceptable contacts with opposition leaders.
SPLM told their National Congress Party (NCP) counterparts that this is the second time a similar incident occurs since the expulsion of the top UN official in Sudan last year.
Last year Sudan expelled Jan Pronk, the UN Secretary General special representative to Sudan for what they described as “exceeding his mandate”. SPLM at the time condemned his expulsion,
Analysts say that NCP routinely bypasses SPLM when making decisions on issues relating to foreign policy.
The post of foreign ministry is occupied by an SPLM member Lam Akol. However Akol has grown increasingly unpopular among SPLM for his stances on Darfur that contradict with those of his movement.
However there are unconfirmed reports that Akol is due to be removed from his position in a cabinet reshuffle per SPLM request.
A January 2005 peace deal ended Africa’s longest civil war between Sudan’s Islamist northern government and mostly Christian, animist southern rebels, creating a coalition government, sharing wealth and allowing for elections by 2009.
(ST)