Regional bloc praises Sudan leaders’ choice of peace over war

February 2, 2011 (ADDIS ABABA) – The Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD), in its 17th Extra-ordinary Summit in Addis Ababa, has commended Sudan’s leaders’ commitment to not to return to war; to resolve their differences and live in peace as good neighbours in accordance with the overriding principle of two mutually supportive and viable states.

In a joint communiqué, the regional grouping has congratulated President of the Republic of Sudan, Omer Hassan Al-Bashir, and First Vice President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, for what they said was “their exemplary leadership and commitment to peace” – as well as the people of the Sudan who have been able to vote freely to decide their collective destiny.

“Most profound congratulations to the people of the Sudan, for the successful, peaceful, credible and timely conduct of the referendum on self-determination in Southern Sudan,” said the Assembly.

Held from 9-15 January, the referendum on South Sudan independence was a crucial milestone in the implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended decades of north-south civil war which killed at least more than 2 million people.

The regional leaders have commended the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission and the Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau for the excellent preparation and conduct of the referendum and UN Missions in Sudan in making available the requisite logistical support to carry out the referendum efficiently and in a timely manner.

They also expressed appreciation for the work of the African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) for Sudan for their facilitation efforts and committed to supporting their efforts in concluding the remaining tasks.

The Assembly’s main focus was on the progress on the implementation on the CPA, current developments in Somalia and updates on the transition in Kenya.
The Assembly was briefed on the implementation of the CPA by Sudanese president, Omar Hassan Al Bashir, and former South Africa president and chairperson of the AU High Level Implementation Panel, Thabo Mbeki.

IGAD member states have affirmed their determination to extend solidarity and assistance to the people and leaders of the Sudan in the post-referendum era. Similarly, African leaders at AU summit in Ethiopia echoed the same commitment to Sudan.

They expressed Africa’s solidarity with all the Sudanese people, and welcomed equally north and South Sudan as building blocks for the ongoing project of African integration.

In a 12-point declaration that the leaders issued at the conclusion of the 16th African Union Summit, they said “having achieved peace, the Sudanese people are now able fully to participate as effective actors and beneficiaries in the common African endeavor of shared prosperity and continental unity.”

“We congratulate the people of Sudan on the successful achievement of the principal pillar of the January 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the referendum on self determination for southern Sudan,“ the leaders said in the declaration.

The leaders also called up upon the Sudanese parties to speedily resolve the remaining issues in the CPA, including: a settlement of the question of Abyei; the convening of Popular Consultations in South Kordofan and Blue Nile state; the demarcation of the common border; and resolution of the status of disputed areas.

“We urge the parties to proceed rapidly to agree on post referendum issues, including citizenship, security, a soft border, and all questions relating to economics and natural resources,” the leaders said.

(ST)