By Isaiah Lucheli
African leaders have concurred that a General Election and referendum in Sudan posed a serious challenge to the country’s fragile peace.
The current and former heads of State said vowed to ensure achievements gained following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) remained on track after the elections and the referendum.
Addressing the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) meeting at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre President Kibaki said the two events slated for this year and next year would shape Sudan’s future.
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| President Kibaki with other Heads of State after the 14th Extraordinary Igad Summit at KICC, Nairobi, Tuesday.[PHOTO: STAFFORD ONDEGO/STANDARD] |
However, Kibaki added that a number of issues called for urgent attention and continued collaboration by Sudan and other African nations.
“These include agreement on post-referendum arrangements, completion of the demarcation of the South/North border and that of Abyei, completion of the redeployment of the military forces and dealing with the intermittent skirmishes in the South,” said Kibaki.
Move forward
He explained Igad was committed to pursuing a lasting solution to conflict in the region and encouraged the people of Sudan to continue manifesting political will and practical resolve to move forward.
“It is important that we are candid and honest with each other in assessing the challenges facing implementation of the CPA. This will help the National Congress
Party and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement implement the remaining phases of CPA,” he added.
Igad chairman Meles Zenawi, expressed Igad’s commitment to Sudan’s peace process.
Igad Executive Secretary Mahboub Maalim called on African leaders to ponder over the impact and implications the Sudanese election would have on the regional peace, security, the CPA and welfare of the people of Sudan.
“My recommendation is that a mechanism be formulated to ensure trust between the two parties. This will ensure continued relevance of the CPA,” said Mr Mahboub.
Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra of the African Union Commission for Peace and Security said Sudan elections next month were critical to the country’s democratisation.
“It will be the first time since 1986 that a competitive election will be held in Sudan, and will put in place a legitimate and representative government,” said Lamamra.
Sudan Vice-President Salva Kiir said SPLM was committed to ensuring peace prevails in Southern Sudan despite challenges they face.
“I would like to regrettably inform the august summit that had it not been for patience and determination of the SPLM and desire to offer our people peace, Sudan would have reverted to war,” he told the summit.
Others present included President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, his Djibouti counterpart Ismail Omar Guelleh, former presidents Daniel arap Moi and Pierre Buyoya of Burundi.
source.standard.ke
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