ICG nudges global pressure to avert another war in Sudan

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 8, 2004 (PANA) — Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) has warned that war could break out again in Sudan unless talks between Khartoum and the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) that resumed 7 October produce “a quick and conclusive peace agreement”.

In its latest briefing paper titled “Sudan’s Dual Crises:
Refocusing on IGAD” released here Thursday, the ICG called on the
international community to deal with the country’s multiple
conflicts “comprehensively and urgently“.

Recent global engagement on Darfur, western Sudan, while
critically necessary, must be matched by equal attention to the
peace process driven by the regional Inter-Governmental Authority
on Development (IGAD), ICG said.

“The world finally focused on the Darfur crisis after months of
ignoring atrocities there,” said Suliman Baldo, director of ICG’s
Africa Program.

“Unfortunately, one consequence of today’s spotlight on Darfur is
the shadow cast on the other conflicts in the country, especially
the war between the government and the mainly southern insurgents
led by the SPLM/A, which has claimed more than two million lives
over the past two decades”.

The group said IGAD talks between Khartoum and the SPLM/A have
appeared to be on the edge of success for months, but the
government has delayed bringing them to conclusion.

“Elements within the SPLA that have never trusted the government
and believe it has been weakened by Darfur could also try to
scupper the agreement. If the IGAD process breaks down, new war
fronts are likely to emerge in the Nuba Mountains, Southern Blue
Nile and the east,” the crisis-monitoring group noted.

It pointed out that wrapping up the IGAD agreement would provide
models for a Darfur resolution and begin the process towards
democratisation and national elections.

“The Sudan government has reached a critical fork in the road,”
said John Prendergast, special adviser to the President of ICG.

“The consequences of its decision regarding which path to take –
cooperation or confrontation – will be profound for the future of
Sudan. History shows that Khartoum will not choose the right path
unless it is pressured to do so,” Prendergast added.