VOANews.com

 
Live Streams:  Latest Newscast |  Africa Live |  Global Live
News in 45 Languages
Sudan Peace Progress Concerns Former Rebels

30 June 2009

A former Sudan rebel group is expressing concern that the lack of progress over renewal of a 2005 peace agreement could cause instability. 

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed between southern and northern Sudan effectively ended the two-decade war between the warring factions.

Sudan_Omar_Al-Bashir_01Mar07_210
Sudan's embattled President Omar Al-Bashir_
But an official of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) is accusing its northern partners of deliberately stalling on key issues of the agreement. The northern Sudanese dismiss the accusation as disappointing.

"The whole situation in Sudan is getting into a very dangerous situation. So it is really very sad to hear one party saying this on the others after this meeting," said Fouad Hikmat, an analyst with the International Crisis Group.

He said there is need for the two parties to find common ground.

"We always need the two together to work out their differences to have that good will and whatever they agreed to be implemented in good faith," he said.

Hikmat said time is limited to reach a full implementation of the CPA.

"It is about how the two parties are going to negotiate the implementation of the key provisions left now, given that the time is very short for the general elections," Hikmat said.

He said the former rebels could not form a party that would have a national appeal.
Salva Kiir (file photo)
 SPLM Chairman Salva Kiir

"The mitigating factor is clear that south Sudan, unfortunately the SPLM, [was] not able to convert themselves into a national political party, and therefore, they are pulled inwardly because of the situation in south Sudan." he said.

Hikmat said a sure way to resolve the impasse between the two parties is to reach a compromise.

"How could we bring these two together? I think the only thing is that that could be done soon through a consensus where all the political forces each can agree on a common agenda," Hikmat said.                                

The CPA controversy comes a week after Washington hosted leaders of northern and southern Sudan to discuss remaining disputes over the peace deal.

Some political observers say they fear Sudan could be dragged into another round of civil war if disputes surrounding the peace agreement are not resolved soon.

Focus pointer bullet Feedback

We'd like to hear what you have to say. Let us know what you think of this report and other news and features on our website. Email your views about what is happening in Africa to: africa@voanews.com. Please include your name and phone number if you would like us to include your comments on our programs. Or, telephone us and leave a message. In the US, call: (202) 205-9942. After you hear the VOA greeting, press the number "30" and leave your opinion.  We may use it on our daily broadcasts.


Download Foaud Hikmat of the International Crisis Group Spoke With Clottey
Download  (MP3)
Listen to This Report Foaud Hikmat of the International Crisis Group Spoke With Clottey
Listen (MP3)
E-mail This Article E-mail This Article
Print This Article Print Version
  Related Stories
Malaria is Number One Killer of Children in Southern Sudan
Washington Forum Seeks Renewed Comprehensive Peace Deal for Sudan
US Convenes Conference to Re-Invigorate Sudan Peace Process
Darfur Advocacy Groups Call on President Obama to Unveil Sudan Policy
UN Official: Human Rights Situation in Sudan 'Critical'
Sudan Denies Some Expelled NGOs Returning
Analysts Skeptical Sudan Can Meet Election Schedule
With Zimbabwe In Comesa Chair, Trade Group Opposes Bashir Indictment
Southern Sudan Party Plays Down Importance of Breakaway Group
African Economic Group Backs Sudan's Leader
ICC Prosecutor: Sudan's Government Must Arrest Bashir
 
  Top Story
US House Approves Health Care Reform Measure

  More Stories
Iran Lawmakers Say Tehran Will Reject UN-Backed Nuclear Deal
G20: Financial Stimulus Still Needed to Stabilize Economic Recovery
Afghanistan: NATO Strike Kills 7 Afghan Security Members  Audio Clip Available
Israelis Rally for Peace on Rabin Anniversary
Obama Praises Those Who Ended Fort Hood Rampage
Afghanistan Rejects UN Criticism of Karzai
Navy Ship Honoring 9/11 Victims is Commissioned Into Fleet
China's Wen Promises Greater Cooperation With Arab Nations  Audio Clip Available
Pakistan Army: 12 Militants Killed in Recent Fighting
Iraqi Parliament Fails Again to Approve New Electoral Law
Medvedev: Not All Hopes Realized After Berlin Wall Fell
US Disappointed at Breakdown in Honduras Political Talks
Berlin Prepares for Celebrations 20 Years After Fall of Wall  Video clip available
Harnessing Waste Produces Gas for Cooking in Kenya  Video clip available