US, EU and UN announce backing for struggling 2005 peace deal
January 9, 2009 (WASHINGTON) — Three major international organizations announced strong backing for Sudan’s 2005 peace agreement on the fourth anniversary of its signing.
The peace deal marked the end of 21 years of hostilities between the northern government which is predominantly Arab and Islamist, and the southern Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, a secular, predominantly African insurgency.
Statements issued by the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU) and United States (US) primarily matched the celebratory air of the occasion, shying away from more the ominous tone taken by some international observers and experts, who warn that the peace deal is either at serious risk or inadequate to deal with the scope of the national political crisis in the Sudan.
“The United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) congratulates the Government of National Unity and the people of Sudan on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA),” said a statement issued by the UN mission tasked with monitoring the agreement.
Likewise the United States issued a statement by Sean McCormack, the State Department press secretary. “The United States congratulates the parties on the progress made in implementing the CPA over the last four years, including creation of a Government of National Unity, establishment of a wealth-sharing program between North and South Sudan, and completion of the national census,” said McCormack, referring to a highly contentious national census whose results could be the grounds for another political struggle in the months ahead.
He added, “We urge the parties to fulfill crucial elements of the CPA, including preparations for 2009 national elections and resolution of the situation in Abyei. The CPA remains vital to securing peace throughout Sudan, and we look forward to continuing our support of its full implementation.”
The EU, some of whose members also had a role in brokering the CPA, particularly the United Kingdom, announced similar backing for the deal.
“The European Union reaffirms the strategic importance of the implementation in good faith of the CPA and reiterates its conviction that the signatories of the CPA, the National Congress Party and the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement, must live up to their joint responsibility to advance on the way towards a peaceful and democratic Sudan,” declared the EU Presidency on behalf of the EU.
The statement went on to highlight several major steps outlined in the agreement that are supposed to take place in 2009, including elections and demarcation of the north-south border.
Likewise UNMIS took note that “the milestones ahead ranging from elections and border demarcation to the launch of the DDR process will require the redoubled commitment of both the Parties and the international community.”
But the EU statement also touched on issues that are anticipated to remain nationally contentious, like the ongoing fighting and displacement of millions of people in Darfur, Sudan’s westernmost region.
“A stable and peaceful development of the Sudan requires a durable political resolution of the conflict in Darfur. The Government of National Unity must spare no effort to bring an end to the suffering of the people of Darfur,” said the EU Presidency, which rotates and is now held by the Czech Republic.
“The European Union strongly supports the role played by the Joint Chief Mediator of the African Union and the United Nations, Djibrill Bassolé, and urges the Government and the Darfur rebel movements to join his effort to find a peaceful settlement of the Darfur crisis. Full deployment of the UNAMID mission is a key factor for improvement of the security situation and thereby for ensuring that vital humanitarian support can reach the people in need. The European Union urges all the parties to agree on an effective ceasefire and to show full respect for international humanitarian law,” stated the EU Presidency.
The UN carries on a separate peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID) as a joint operation with the African Union.
The CPA agreement is designed to lead to democratization of Sudan through elections in 2009 and to allow the peoples of Southern Sudan, Abyei and southern Blue Nile to vote for independence or unity in referendums scheduled for 2011.
(ST)