South Sudan VP says agreement nears on referendum law
By James Gatdet Dak
April 15, 2009 (JUBA) — The two major partners in the Sudan’s interim Government of National Unity (GoNU) and signatories to the 2005’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) are close to finalizing repeal and creation of 21 national laws including the law for the exercise of referendum for the people of the semi-autonomous Southern Sudan.
The CPA calls for review and establishment of national laws during the interim period that should conform to the peace deal and the Interim Constitution of Sudan.
Government of Southern Sudan’s Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, said the Joint Executive Political Committee of the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) was close to agreeing on the proposed law for the conduct of referendum in Southern Sudan which is expected to take place about 19 months from now.
The CPA stipulates that the people of Southern Sudan will exercise their right to self-determination through the exercise of an internationally monitored referendum to either choose to create an independent country or confirming the current unity of Sudan.
Dr. Machar added that the NCP’s committee led by the Vice President of Sudan, Ali Osman Mohamed Taha, had also agreed on the need to establish respective laws for the exercise of referendum in Abyei and for popular consultations in Nuba Mountains and Southern Blue Nile.
He said the issue had been problematic for the last three months since presentation of the SPLM’s proposals on the issues because the NCP had refused the establishment of such laws for the three contested regions.
Machar, who returned to Juba on Wednesday after spending 31 consecutive days in Khartoum presenting SPLM proposals and leading debates on the laws, said the Joint Committee also discussed functions of the Central Bank of Sudan (CBS) and its branch, the Bank of Southern Sudan (BoSS).
He explained that the current law governing the Central Bank of Sudan deprives the Bank of Southern Sudan from owning national reserves.
He added that his committee had presented a new proposal to the NCP on devolution of some functions to the Bank of Southern Sudan. “We have given a new proposal. This is being studied [by NCP], and we think our proposal conforms to the CPA,” he said without revealing details of the proposal.
The SPLM Deputy Chairman further explained that they also discussed the need to decentralize judiciary in respect to justice administration. “This section or branch of government really has not been affected by decentralization as stipulated in the CPA,” he explained.
Machar further explained that power sharing didn’t mean sharing of executive and legislative organs only, but should also include the administration of justice at the national level.
He also said customs, which is a national competence, needed a new law for its establishment in Southern Sudan.
Others, he said, included the SPLM proposed respective laws for Civil Aviation and Telecommunications, which bills were presented and agreed upon by the two parties.
Machar further added that discussions are also ongoing with laws in regard to issuance of passports, immigration and civil registry.
A law on civil defense was being worked out, he said, in case of disasters on how a nation should act or respond to a natural disaster.
Many proposed new laws (bills) have been agreed upon by the two partners and are awaiting endorsement by the National Assembly. Some are yet to pass through the GoNU Council of Ministers in Khartoum while the rest are still being worked out by the Joint Committee.
“In total there are 21 laws before the National Congress [Party], which within May [next month], we should dispose of them so that the National Assembly which opened last Monday passes these laws.” With that we could then close the dossiers of the legal part and we wait for the North-South Border issue,” Machar further explained.
(ST)
Nile
South Sudan VP says agreement nears on referendum law
job well done Mr. Vice President, south Sudan needs more active individuals like you.
Lual Garang De Lual
South Sudan VP says agreement nears on referendum law
Well done Mr. Vice President for the job. I wish people in South Sudan could do all as you are doing in following the laws which are the fundamental basis for the rule of law and ethics.
The only things people in South Sudan are fearing is that killing of BOR civillians and looting of their property, in form of cattle, children, young girls etc by your Nasser faction which defacted from the mainstream SPLM/A in 1991. If you really deserve to be praised by these people then first appologize in public. We would like those who stand up to our challenges as Southerners like you Mr. Machar but forget about the suspicion that you had in mind concerning BOR or Dinka Bor in general. It is you who is betraying yourself by not appologising to the individual and groups harm during the Nasser faction struggle to defeat the mainstream SPLM/A. These kind of atrocities revibrate in the mind of those victims, hence the only solution to forgivenness is first to admit that such a atrocities did occure whereby you can ask the victims to forgive the past and look forwards for better relations.
Your outstanding in dealing with the NCP by negotiating and passing the neccessary laws before election and referendum is now shinning, no one can deny that facts but the issue is above elaborated that almost all the people of South Sudan do have reservation about your true colours of the past because you betrayed the mainstream SPLM/A when they were on the offensive to capture Juba.
“One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one’s work is terribly important” Bertrand Russell (1872 – 1870). This is what I have analysed to all the followers of Machar’s, it is everyone belief that Dr. Riek Machar was doing right thing by killing the innocent peasants of BOR in 1991 because of their misunderstanding with Dr. John Garang De Mabior. There is no person around him that can tell him in his face that Bor citizens are not against him but only that he has not even admitted that there were crimes or atrocities committed by his SSIM/A in Bor. Those around Riek be informed that Bor citizens favour him as per being a son of GREATER UPPER NILE and that is why Dr. Garang gave him the post that he left behind before joining the Khartoum government. It was also in Garang’s mind that power does not always stay stagnant as pool water, he decided to re-instead Riek back into his position to represent Greater Upper Nile position incase Garang was a national symbol representing matters of Southern Sudan and Sudan at large while Riek would focus on matters affecting Greater Upper Nile. I do hereby believe that if Dr. Riek appologises for the atrocities committed to Bor citizens during his campaign to defeat DR. Garang, with open arms we can embrace him but I am sure every citizen in Sudan will believe that he is accoutable and capable in ruling the South.
Gatwech
South Sudan VP says agreement nears on referendum law
Bravo Dr. Riek Machar,
You brought the self-determination to the people of South Sudan in 1991 historic move which corrected the lost and unpopular Jalaba’s influenced submissive vision of united Sudan. That business project is dead. So you are the right person to negotiate the referendum law which the people of South Sudan are singing for joy about every day. It was your original vision later adopted by late John Garang in Naivasha’s CPA. Who can best qualify to look after the Southerners. Your proposals on how to govern the South is very welcome by 90% of Southerners, except some confused Bor Dinka who constitute only 2%, but make up 80% of stupid southerners who contribute rubbish on this website. You are the pending President of the REPUBLIC of South Sudan after 2011. South Sudanese love you all.
There is no way some lunatics can suggest stupid ideas of so-called apology on Bor Dinka fighting with Nuer civilians. Let them apologize to Murle for attacking them last week. If they like the word apology, then they should ask some of the Lou-Nuer section which fought them and Garang’s forces in Bor, but not to ask an innocent leader. That is stupid and nonsense. If they are tied to 1991 (18 years ago) is up to them. Go on with your brilliant job. You are the brightest star in GOSS with Wani Igga and Pagan Amum. Drunkards like Salva Kiir cannot lead a nation!
If they are jealous and want to remove you for being like by the people, if that is a crime, then let them try it if they are that stupid. They will set their asses on fire soon and will forget about GOSS. That will be their end! Their plan is like a plan of a group of rats who once upon a time met and said they wanted to catch a cat. They said they wanted to tie a bell around his neck so that they hear him coming and trap him. These foolish group of rats agreed fully. But lastly, one of them who seemed to be a bit wise asked a question. Who is going to tie the bell around the neck of the cat? The meetings dispersed with disappointment because no body would dare to tie it. I am telling you my greedy and foolish cousins, don’t try something that you will regret for the rest of your lives. I hope you are not looking for another complaint in the future that you are masscred. Brilliant and hard working leaders like Dr. Riek Machar can instead be rewarded and blessed to do more, but not hate them because you envy his outstanding achievements and because he is not from your tribe. That is rubbish!
Gatwech
South Sudan VP says agreement nears on referendum law
Assan,
I don’t blame you for having no gift to strategies. If you simply called the Khartoum Peace Agreement switching of sides, I can see your problem of being poor in strategic politics. How would you get this self-determination you are euphorically smiling about if he did not pin it down in Khartoum and forced late Garang to accept it in 2002? You are just a bunch of drunkards who will never understand. Go and read how King David strategically joined the Palestinians before he remerged with the Israelis and he himself defeated the Palestinians at last. God crowned him as his most beloved King of Israel after his succeeding ‘switching’ strategies. You can’t learn your enemy from a far distance like in Kator Caderal Church. You are naive thieves of South Sudan. You are a failure, duds!!! Ahahahahaha………….
Kwaje D
South Sudan VP says agreement nears on referendum law
How long does Mr. Riak Machar want to deceive the Southern Sudanese his reporter?
There is nothing like referendum law close when elections are away by sharp NCPs joking with the foolish SPLMs.
Ruai Malual Jal
South Sudan VP says agreement nears on referendum law
Hi Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhorgon,
Congratulation, your the right person who can discuss the referendum law with Khartoum government since your the only one person struggling for self-determination for the people of Southern Sudan.
You are the only who take the people of Southern Sudan to promise land.I know our president has never success in any discussion with Ali Asman Taha since his appointment as a President of the government of Southern Sudan. this need you to work hard and hope bring to the people South Sudan.
Referendum in 2011 is very importance than Election and it is our goal to be achieve without any objection.
For those who are insulting Dr. Riek Machar from this website are not really sons of South Sudan.I believe they are Arabs North. Like me and country son Gatwech cannot criticized the coming South Sudan President Dr. Riek Machar because we are country sons.
for those who do not know Dr Riek I can tell who is Dr. Riek, Dr. Riek is an engineer graduated from Khartoum University and PHD holder from London University.
Riek is high educated person who work hard day and night for the people of Southern Sudan.
Dr. Machar oyeeeeeeeeeeeeee defeat Ali Asman whenever discussing anything in CPA IMPLEMETATION.
This is True teller
Tariel
South Sudan VP says agreement nears on referendum law
Gatwech,
Do not exaggerate the issue of self determination and relate it to Riek Machar.
The self determination issue was pushed forward by SPLM in june 1991 as one of alternative proposals if Sudan government would not agree with New Sudan issue in then to commence Abuja 1 peace talks and that was two months before Riek`s defection from the movement.
Riek afterward was operating as miltia,receiving monetary support from Arabs!After he was conviced by money in six months,he asked his sick advicer Lam Akol for what they would present if they come to Khartoum,Lam Akol simply told him that adopting Dr.Garang`s second vision of Self determination would really make money and earn them popularity in South Sudan then the confused militias shamelessly went to Khartoum.
In 1997,they blindly signed the so called Fashoda Agreement with Sudan government,using Dr.Garang`s second alternative vision of Self determination for South Sudan as the proposal to hide themselves from hummiliation in sight of the world.
In 2004,the self determination issue was included in peace Agender by the SPLM and later signed by cdr Salva Kiir Mayardit as the first ever protocal in Machakos-Kenya before peace talks shifted to Naivasha-Kenya.This protocal is well known as Machakos Protocal.
Your confused leader Riek Machar as nothing recorded good as seen above in struggle for Freedom,Equality,Democracy and Unity in Sudan so don`t try to lie every time in public web,covering Machar with Self determination otherwise only fools will be conviced by your dirty comments.
You need to groom yourself as outstanding leader and I myself will support you as far as leadership good qualities are concern and leave alone that idiot Machar who has already spoiled his image.
SPLA OYEEEEEE,SPLM OYEEEEE,New Sudan OYEEEE.
The struggle continues and victory is certain !
Tariel
South Sudan VP says agreement nears on referendum law
Attention please!
Riek Machar is spear heading corruption in GOSS as part of his leadership ambition and just to spoil the name of GOSS under the leadership of man with an unreversable gear,Salva Kiir Mayardit but this time,should nuer temper again with mighty SPLA,there will be no alternative or mercy but to teach them the unforgetable lesson.
Riek own a dream of leading South Sudan but ah ah ah,that is nigtmare because South Sudan is blessed with people who by all means can not allow Junup fall to the dog like a bone.
Nuer should not always disturb Southerners otherwise if they continue with this barbaric behaviour,they should be militarily force out of South Sudan and either to join their brothers in Ethiopia or to go and wash asses of Arabs,it is absolutely for them to decide!
Quoting Riek as saying that agreement is nears on referndum law.This leave one to wounder why the referendum law wasn`t signed yet the self-proclaimed doctor spent couple of days with Arabs in Khartoum.
Riek always front himself as a leader and try to crate mess in government whenever there is delegation being sent to Khartuom just because he is addicted to Arabs meals.
Riek should sign with immediate effect in order to allow development in South Sudan.
God the almighty,look down and revome Riek Machar,the man is obstacle every where in our struggle to have lasting peace in South Sudan,in name of your son I pray Amen.
SPLA OYEEE,SPLM OYEEE,NEW SUDAN OYEEE,
The struggle continues and victory is certain!
Tariel
South Sudan VP says agreement nears on referendum law
Gatwech,
I have the document wrote by Dr.John Garang in 1983 spelling out the objectives of the SPLA and its` standing where the New Sudan issue was fronted and this was simply to keep Sudanese masses who had turned up in huge countings to join the SPLA regardless of region well united.
In this document,self determination issue is second and would be applicable to four regions of Sudan ie South Sudan,Nuba mountains,Abyei and Blue Nile if Arabs were to fail answering the of question of New sudan.
Don`t tell me again that Riek told Dr.John Garang about Self determination issue in 1984 when as you have seen above was decleared in 1983 as an option should New Sudan issue takes long.
Confused Riek Machar did not include our brothers and sisters in Nuba mountains,Abyei and Blue Nile regions in his look like betrayal Fashoda Agreement of 1997 but why?
It is you to answer!
Riek Machar has no achivements in struggle for people`s Freedom,Equality,Democracy and Unity in Sudan.He was given title of deputy chairman of SPLM for sack of UNITY and not becuase he has PHD and anytime he will be kicked out of office not even in elections but by presidentail degree under tight intelligent security in order to detect any dog barking and trying to crate mess.
Riek`s dead body in future will be given some strokes straight on his buttocks as the consequence of his madness so try to distand yourself away from this soul hummiliation.
SPLA OYEEE,SPLM OYEEE,NEW SUDAN OYEEE,SELF DETERMINATION OYEEEEE.
The struggle continues and victory is certain!
Khent
South Sudan VP says agreement nears on referendum law
Gatwch:
Your posts inform on the inability of some to analyse incidents objectively. The Bor-Dinka did not initiate the sordid killing of women, children and the elderly in 1991, as you so deceptively imply.
You protest out of one side of your mouth that tribalism should be expunged from our discourse, and out of the other – you actually advocate for it – you also imply, that the Bor-Dinka initiated the 1991 incident- but based on no data.
Such fallacies are commonly resorted to, when the facts are against you, and that is the case with you.
Needless to say, no one believes your excuses…that includes you.
Do you know the meaning of the expression -> *mealy mouthed*?
It’s when you are intentionally unclear about what exactly you are saying.
The reasons for mealy mouthed rhetoric are typically:
-You don’t actually know what you are talking about, but are trying to hide it.
-You are simply confused.
-You are inept and embittered.
Care to tell us, which is the case here, or is it all three?
Khent
South Sudan VP says agreement nears on referendum law
Lets Go back in time, shall we.
Dr. Riek Machar formally signed a peace charter with President Bashir in Khartoum- the charter re-affirmed the unity of Sudan within its known boundaries, the federal system of the NIF (with its twenty-six states), and Sharia as the source of legislation. Against this was a promise at the end of an unspecified period for a “referendum” for Southerners to “determine their political aspirations”
The central paradox of Dr. Riek Machar and Nasir, was its military alliance with the the government- it was a paradox that ultimately cost its leaders their political credibility and destroyed their wretched movement; Dr. Riek Machar served the NIF’s long-term objectives- to entrench the Islamic State in the North- but they did NOT have the power to extract further concessions for themselves. Dr. Riek Machar relied on the Northern government for his continuation.
Collaboration between the Nasir faction and Khartoum was publicly formalised with the agreement between Dr.Lam Akol and Ali al-Hajj Muhammedat Frankfurt in January 1992. The two page document, which was released, made NO mention of independence, containing only a vague reference to deciding the special political and Constitutional status for the South in a future Referendum. Nevertheless, Dr. Riek Machar presented the agreement as a commitment to Self-Determinatiion.
That the government did not intend this “referendum” to go so far was later made clear by Ali al-Hajj, when he declared that the Frankfurt agreement provided only for a “referendum” on the degree of decentralization in the South and did NOT compromise the unity of the country.
The Fashoda agreement was also pathetic!
Control of the armed forces and national security was reserved for the Federal government, the states being allowed some control over economic development, but only in accordance with federal planning.
The President of the Republic was to appoint the President of the Coordinating Council of Southern states who would nominate his cabinet and the governors of the Southern states for final appointment by the President of the Republic.
The version passed by the National Assembly in July gave the President of the Southern states Coordinating Council the right to nominate state governors to an Islamic Consultative Council, controlled by the speaker of the Assembly (Turabi), and the President of the Republic; they were thus answerable to their assemblies and the central government, rather than to the Coordinating Council, of which they became members.
Like the Frankfurt Agreement, the wording of the 1997 Agreement was subject entirely to the interpretation imposed on it by the government. It shared many of the same weaknesses as the Addis Ababa Agreement, in that its provisions were worded in such a way as to be open, and the powers devolved to the Southern states were highly qualified by Federal control. The Fashoda agreement incorporated the general principles of the peace charter(including the unity of Sudan).
You may consider your revisionist ideology officially exposed, deconstructed and obliterated.
You’re welcome
Khent
South Sudan VP says agreement nears on referendum law
Dr. John Garang was a hero; he re-captured the vast majority of our territory, and subsequently expanded the theatre of war to the Nuba Mountains, southern Blue Nile, Ignessa Hills and eastern Sudan. He also brought us the CPA-eclipsing the achievements of any other politician within the political environment; comparing the unwavering Dr. John Garang to the capricious Riek Machar (a man who received weapons and ammunition from the enemy)… is a great insult to our fallen hero.
Ascribing anything of consequence to a man, who only regained relevance by the virtue of Dr. John Garang’s grace, victory and forgiveness… is to disregard historical truths, for ahistorical fantasies.
It would be a joke to relinquish the VICTORIES and achievements of the victor, to the vanquished!
In 1995, Dr. Riek Machar was the leader of a virtual movement, lacking any real substance or coherence. Gatwech, you should THANK Dr. John Garang for permitting Riek Machar’s return.
Where would Riek Machar be, had it not been for Dr. John Garang’s grace? Nowhere! And you all know it.