Sudan to convene peaceful coexistence conferences to settle border clashes

January 21, 2008 (HEGLIG) — It was agreed today to hold peaceful coexistence conferences in Sudan’s North – South border areas in order to settle frictions between cattle-herders and southern Sudan army.

The clashes between the southern Sudan army and the northern nomadic Misseriya tribe reignited fears for the fragile peace agreement that also allows southerners to hold a referendum on independence in 2011.

Delegations from the federal government and three states governments besides officials from the two Sudanese armies as well as traditional leaders agreed Monday to convene a conference on peaceful coexistence between the states of southern Kordufan and northern Bhar El-Ghazal on February 21, 2008 and to hold another conference on February 30 between the states of southern Kordufan and Unity state.

This meeting was commissioned by the Sudanese presidency in the framework of the CPA implementation and peace-building process in the country. Further its aims to meet the challenges facing the redeployment of troops and border demarcation as well as providing safe movement of citizens between the various States, especially after the recent clashes in the border between South Kordufan and northern Bahr el Ghazal.

Sudan’s First Vice-President and President of southern Sudan government, Salva Kiir on Sunday said that the Misseriya, who traditionally travel south for dry season cattle grazing, refuse to disarm. He further indicated that like other southern tribes, the nomads could only cross into the south unarmed.

During the civil war, successive northern governments armed tribes including the Misseriya to wage war in south Sudan. Many were not disarmed following the peace deal.

Addressing Sunday meeting on peaceful coexistence in the North South border areas, Sudan’s Cabinet Affairs Minister and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Secretary General, Pagan Amum, urged joint effort to overcome challenges facing the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

Pagan pointed out that discussions on troop withdrawal must take place in the Joint Defence Board in accordance with the directive of the Sudanese presidency meeting related to troops’ redeployment in a way to ensure peace and rebuild confidence between the forces

He stressed that it is up to the Boundary Commission to conduct border demarcation. He added that this body had covered the theoretical level. He said that the government will work to create conducive atmosphere for the team to conduct its task.

The team charged with demarcating the disputed north-south border, where much of Sudan’s oil wealth lies, is due to begin work in February.

He said that the administration the interests of the citizens, the unhindered movement of cattle herders, merchants or passengers, besides securing the movement of goods is the responsibility of the Federal Government and concerned state governments in order to ensure the security for all.

He urged troops from the two sides to adopt openness and develop new plans based on building trust between the forces. Further, he called upon the three governors and their governments to agree on a programme of case management through bilateral meetings and conventions.

Pagan affirmed that the Government of National Unity and the Government of South Sudan work to make the border areas places of peaceful coexistence through the implementation of various development projects.

The meeting was attented by the Minister of Federal Government Abdel-Baset Mardi, State Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and member of the six-member committee Ahmed Mohamed Haroun, General Esmat Abdel Rahman, Chairman of the Joint Staff, members of the Joint Defense Board, governors of Unity, Southern Kordufan and northern Bahr el-Ghazal, and members of security commissions together with a number of the traditional administration leaders in the three states

(ST)