KHARTOUM,
Sudan
Sudan’s power-sharing government and several key rebel groups have signed a peace agreement aimed at ending decades of conflict which has killed hundreds of thousands and left millions displaced.
Three major groups signed a
preliminary deal in August – two factions from the western region of Darfur and
one from the southern region – after months of talks hosted by South Sudan.
Another powerful rebel
group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu,
which had not participated in initial peace negotiations, agreed last month to
join new talks hosted by South Sudan. Dancers from Darfur and the Nile states
performed on the stage before the signing in Juba.
The U.S. Special Envoy to
Sudan and South Sudan, Donald Booth, said, “This historic achievement addresses
decades of conflicts and suffering, it will also require firm and unwavering
commitment to implement the agreement fully and without delays.”
United Nations Secretary General
Antonio Guterres hailed “the dawn of a new era for the people of Sudan”.
The presidents of Ethiopia
and Chad and the prime ministers of Egypt and Uganda were among regional
officials and politicians at the event. Tut Gatluak, the South Sudanese chief
mediator, said ahead of Saturday’s ceremony that the goal was eventually to
sign deals with all armed groups.
Sudan has been wracked by
conflict for decades. After the oil-rich south seceded in 2011, an economic
crisis fuelled protests that led to the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir
in 2019. Sudan’s new civilian and military leaders, who have shared power since
then, say ending conflicts is a top priority.
The deal sets out terms to
integrate rebels into the security forces, be politically represented and have
economic and land rights.
A new fund will pay $750
million a year for 10 years to the impoverished southern and western regions
and the chance of return for displaced people is also guaranteed. Analysts have
welcomed the agreement but questioned the prominent role given to armed groups
and the military.
No comments:
Post a Comment