Sudan FM accuse SPLM of terrorizing pro-unity Southerners

September 23, 2010 (WASHINGTON) – The Sudanese foreign minister Ali Karti accused the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) in control of the South semi-autonomous region of intimidating the Southern voices which are supportive of the country’s unity ahead of the January 2011 referendum.

“They [SPLM leaders] use terror to prevent Southerners from supporting unity. They allow demonstrations for separatists and ban demonstrations for unionists. They interrogate or fire Southern officials who oppose secession,” Karti told the Saudi owned Al-Sharq Al-Awsat.

The top Sudanese diplomat noted the uproar that erupted following statements by the oil minister Lual Deng, who is also an SPLM figure, who said that separation is a betrayal of the vision put forth by the late SPLM leader John Garang.

He also slammed the Southern ex-rebels for turning down delegations from the North seeking to discuss developmental projects and accept only those from countries such as Uganda, Kenya, South Africa as well as U.S. organizations.

In a response to a question about demands from Southerners for apology, compensations, secular constitution and refrain from using the term “nigger”, Karti expressed dismay suggesting that they are illogical.

The Sudanese foreign minister posed a question on whether the North should apologize over recognizing the South’s right for self determination or spending $3 billion from the North’s share in oil to inaugurate projects in the South. He also questioned why the South is concerned about having secular constitution in the North.

He described as “absurd” and “irresponsible” bringing up the issue of using the derogatory term “nigger” to refer to Southerners saying that people all around the word curse at each other.

South Sudan is scheduled to vote on January 9 on whether to become independent or to remain part of a united Sudan, with many believing it will opt to split Africa’s largest nation in two.

The referendum was a key provision of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between north and south Sudan that ended a decades-long civil war, during which about two million people were killed.

Another referendum will take place simultaneously in the contested oil-rich region of Abyei, where residents will have to decide whether they want to be part of north or south Sudan. The commission to run that vote has not yet been appointed.

Karti stressed that secession if it occurs will be the responsibility of the SPLM as well as the National Congress party (NCP) adding that unity under the intimidation environment will lead to wars and conflicts.

(ST)