Garang warns integral implementation of Sudan peace deal

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 9, 2005 (PANA) — John Garang, leader of the Sudan people’s
Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M), Sunday threatened that the
new-found unity with the Khartoum government would become
unilaterally dissolved if the peace accords ending the war in the
country is breached within the next six years.

Sudan’s First Vice President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha (L) and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement leader John Garang show the signed peace accord at a ceremony in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, January 9, 2005. (Reuters).

The two warring parties — the SPLA/M and Khartoum government —
have agreed on six protocols, among them the Machakos Protocol,
which provides Southern Sudan with the right to self-
determination and the right to secede after the six-year period.

But Garang was adamant about the full implementation of the peace
accords, which allows the SPLA to become part of the national
army, contributing a total of 12,000 soldiers in the joint
national force, among them 1,500 troops stationed in Khartoum.

“The union will be dissolved amicably after the six-year interim
period if the government of national unity does not work out as
agreed in the Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement,” Garang said.

“It is exactly 42 years since I first left for the bush to begin
the first war. I hope I will not go back to the bush again, but I
am a guerrilla and I take my time. The union would be dissolved
amicably after the six year interim period,” he asserted.

Tracing the civil wars, which have beset Sudan over the last
several years, Garang said the signing of the ceasefire accord,
would allow Sudanese to have the right to self-governance for the
first time in the past 120 years.

“This peace agreement will engulf the country in democratic and
fundamental transformation since it has been at war with itself
for the past 124 years,” Garang said.

Garang, who was unequivocal in declaring his resolve to work with
Khartoum in furthering peace in various parts of the country,
including the Eastern and Western Darfur conflicts, however,
warned that he could go back to the bush if the agreements are
violated.

“I appeal to all the Sudanese people and our political forces to
build consensus around this comprehensive peace agreement and use
it to end (conflict) in other parts of Sudan,” Garang noted.

Garang said the signing of the peace agreement was a step
forward, but if the Khartoum fails in its pledge to provide equal
political dispensation, the next option would be to peacefully
exit through the right of self-determination.

“If they fail in creating a Sudan of equality, then the best
option would be to look at other solutions such as splitting the
country into smaller states, we must have full devolution of
power, otherwise the country may not move forward,” Garang
warned.