Former WBG official calls for peace with Sudan
June 15, 2012 (WAU) – South Sudan is seeking to build a strong, long-term, healthy, stable, friendly and cooperative relationship with neighbouring Sudan on the basis of the principles of peaceful coexistence and strong economic cooperation, said the ex-Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) secretary for Western Bahr el Ghazal, Effesion Kon Uguak, on Friday.
“Our relationship with Sudan is necessitated by a number of things; to live together and build not only strong ties but work together,” said Uguak in an interview with Sudan Tribune.
Khartoum and Juba are at loggerheads in a deterioration of relations, the likes of which have not been seen since they were engaged, as one nation, in the civil war which ended with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005.
Various outstanding CPA issues, including border demarcation and the distribution of oil wealth, saw the two nations return to military engagement in March.
A series of African Union mediated talks are yet to achieve concrete results.
The stalemate continues on some issues as Sudanese and South Sudanese delegations to the Joint Political and Security Mechanism (JPSM) on 5 June failed to endorse a map to establish a buffer zone between the two countries.
However, an apparent positive step was taken in May, with Khartoum announcing the withdraw its troops from the contested Abyei region.
Uguak said a peaceful settlement is in their best interests as regional stability is necessary for the development of both nations.
He called on the international community to support the new nation in realising political stability and providing effective assistance for its economic recovery and development.
The Episcopal Bishop of Akot Diocese, Isaac Dhieu, in a separate interview with Sudan Tribune said his Church wants the two countries to live in peace by focusing on the well being of the citizens of the two states and finding a solution to the outstanding issues of the CPA through dialogue and negotiation.
He also called upon the international community to assist the two nations in normalising relations in order for their citizens to “enjoy peace, dignity and development”.
“(Salva) Kiir has made tremendous efforts in this peace process. President Bashir should do the same,” said Dhieu.
(ST)