Sudan rejects U.S. reservations over Darfur referendum

April 11, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese government has rejected the reservations on Darfur administrative referendum expressed by the the U.S. Administration and called on Washington to support the ongoing efforts to bring the armed group to the negotiating table.

Last Saturday, the U.S. State Department said the outcome of the referendum will not be credible and pointed to the conditions under which the vote is held. Washington particularly emphasized on the lack of security and the “inadequate registration” of civilians recently displaced by the ongoing fighting in Jebel Marra.

The Sudanese foreign ministry on Monday released a two-page statement where it said the government has taken serious steps to create a suitable environment for a credible and transparent vote, including its efforts to end tribal violence and the resettlement of displaced people.

Khartoum further said 90% of qualified voters in Darfur have been registered including the residents of IDPs camps a cross the region. It also pointed to the participation of monitors from regional organizations and foreign countries.

“The negative statement of the U.S. State Department on Darfur referendum does not serve at all the ongoing peace process but increases the intransigence of the rebel movements and their continued refusal of peace,” said the Sudanese foreign ministry.

“It further casts doubts over U.S. intentions towards achieving stability and a lasting peace in Sudan. The Sudanese people – whom the United States claim helping to achieve stability and political participation – have only got sanctions, embargo; restrictions and distorting statements instead of support and assistance,” it further said.

Despite a ten-year process to normalize relations, Khartoum and Washington have failed to improve bilateral relations. However the United States remains involved in the ongoing regional and international efforts to end Sudan conflicts and achieve democratic reforms.

Recently the Troika countries including Norway, U.K. and U.S. called on the armed groups to join a roadmap for peace and national dialogue brokered by an African Union mediation team and signed by the government.

(ST)