UN will work to maintain Sudan’s unity, Ban Ki-Moon says
January 30, 2010 (ADDIS ABABA) — UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said today his organization would work to avoid southern Sudan secession in joint effort with the African Union.
In accordance with a peace agreement signed in 2005, the southern Sudanese should vote in January 2011 on whether they want to remain within a united Sudan or opt for the creation of their independent state.
“The UN has a big responsibility with the AU to maintain peace in Sudan and make unity attractive,” Ban Ki-Moon said in a joint interview with AFP and RFI radio in Addis Ababa where he attends the 14th African Union Summit.
“Whatever the result of the referendum we have to think how to manage the outcome. It is very important for Sudan but also for the region,” he said; stressing “We’ll work hard to avoid a possible secession.”
The long-time unionist former rebel movement in southern Sudan has seen within its ranks growing separatist calls since the death of its ex- chairman John Garang in 2005. This secessionist tendency has been fed by the ill implementation of the CPA and the lack of transparency about oil revenue meant to be shared.
During the upcoming months Sudan also will witness the first free general election since 1986. Sudanese will elect a president of the republic and the federal parliament besides governors for the regional states and members of their chambers. The southerners, in addition, will elect a president for the southern Sudan government and members of the regional parliament in Juba.
The UN chief said the African Union must help ensure the elections and the referendum are carried out in a credible, transparent way.
“There are many fundamental issues: citizenship, borders. All should be resolved so that the referendum could be held peacefully. I’m going to discuss these issues extensively with the African leaders,” he added.
North and south are due to draw the 2,100 kilometre (1,300 mile) border between their regions this year — a delicate issue because of the significant oil reserves in the area.
(ST)