CSW briefing on Sudan

Introduction

The signing in January of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between northern and southern Sudan met with mixed reactions. Most observers welcomed the prospect of a significant decline in the violence that had occasioned the loss of over 2 million lives and the displacement of over 4 million southern Sudanese people since 1983. However, given its history of prevarication, obstruction and obfuscation, many remained wary of the depth of the commitment of the ruling National Islamic Front (NIF) to peace. Nevertheless, extreme war-weariness and the seemingly steadfast involvement of the international community generated mild optimism that peace with justice could eventually arise from the CPA. There was even hope that the grievances of such marginalised areas as Darfur and the Beja region would also be addressed, particularly given Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) leader John Garang’s expressed readiness to play an active part in the search for peace in both places. Unfortunately, events that have occurred since Garang’s death have threatened to all but extinguish any remaining optimism for a peaceful future.

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