Turabi’s opposition party proposes initiative to end tension between Sudan, South Sudan
April 29, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese opposition Popular Congress Party (PCP) led by veteran Islamist Hassan Al-Turabi revealed plans on Sunday to introduce an initiative to contain growing tension between Sudan and neighbouring South Sudan.
Long-running negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan over a mix of oil, borders and security disputes floundered dangerously earlier this month, leading to the outbreak of the worst fighting between the two neighbours since the South split to form an independent state last July.
South Sudan says it is willing to return to talks but Khartoum, incensed by the South’s brief occupation of Heglig’s oilfields and its alleged support for Sudanese rebels, insists that talks on any issues other than security will be futile.
Rahma revealed that the initiative would require both parties to make concessions “including possible withdrawal of troops from Heglig and Abyei disputed regions and deployment of UN troops there.”
The PCP’s suggestion of Sudanese withdrawal from Heglig, which provides half of the country’s daily oil output of 115,000 barrels, is likely to anger its rival, the ruling National Congress Party (NCP), which has been actively using the area’s takeover by the Sudanese army (SAF) to whip up popular sympathy.
In an interview aired by Sudan’s TV on Sunday, NCP’s vice-chairman and presidential adviser, Nafie Ali Nafie, strongly criticised calls by some political parties for withdrawal from Heglig.
He previously accused the PCP and Sudanese Communist Party (SCP) of being “soft” in condemning South Sudan’s occupation of the area.
NCP officials also accuse the PCP leader of coordinating with the Darfur rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) to topple the regime in Khartoum.
Commenting on Heglig, the PCP official said that battles there marked a decisive point in fighting between the two countries.
He attributed the eruption of street celebrations in Khartoum following Heglig “victory” to popular anger over “provocations” by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) of South Sudan.
South Sudan says it withdrew voluntarily from Heglig in response to international pressure and suffered no casualties in the process, while Khartoum maintains it killed over 1,000 SPLA soldiers when retaking the area by force.
(ST)