Uganda will gain from new Sudan
Sep 29, 2005
The Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in Nairobi in January this year and the formation of the long-awaited Government of National Unity in Sudan of both the SPLM leaders and their partners from the north will bring about ever lasting peace, development, democracy and prosperity not only for Suda
The Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in Nairobi in January this year and the formation of the long-awaited Government of National Unity in Sudan of both the SPLM leaders and their partners from the north will bring about ever lasting peace, development, democracy and prosperity not only for Sudan but also for the region and Africa as a whole.
Despite the tragic death of the hero Dr. John Garang, his successor Lt. Gen. Salva Kiir, the First Vice President and other prominent SPLM/A leaders have proved beyond doubt their resolve and willingness to fill the vacuum and to follow the profound vision of Dr. Garang for the good and welfare of the Sudan.
The accumulated and renowned experience of SPLM leaders in negotiations and their previous contacts and acquaintances with Darfur rebels will provide a comprehensive and prompt solution to the western Sudan problem.
However, major positive developments to the Darfur crisis have occurred since the signing of the Declaration of Principles between the government and the rebel movements in Abuja last July.
Government has agreed to apply the Naivasha model to the Darfur issues, the two parties are now engaged in detailed negotiations under the auspices of the African Union, UN and other international mediators to attain a comprehensive agreement relating to outstanding issues of wealth, authority sharing and the security arrangements.
Despite attacks by the rebels on some villages, the security and humanitarian situation in Darfur is much better and under control, thanks to the restraint by the government, efforts of the African Union monitoring team and other international and regional stakeholders.
Implications on consolidated relations between Sudan and Uganda
Uganda’s participation in the peace process of the Sudan was paramount. Ever since President Yoweri Museveni’s arrangement for the meeting between President Al-Bashir and Dr. John Garang in Kampala in 2002, which paved the way for the subsequent Naivasha negotiations, Uganda has never ceased to lend its assistance and wisdom to both parties to the conflict in southern Sudan.
Uganda and Sudan are connected by historical and eternal bonds. The affinities that relate peoples of northern Uganda to their brothers in southern Sudan can never be denied.
The legendary River Nile that historically united Sudan and Uganda has been inhabited mainly by the cross border common tribes of Nilotic descent.
The consolidation of relations between the governments of Sudan and Uganda after the advent of the Government of National Unity should be a priority in alleviating the suffering of the peoples of both countries.
Joseph Kony and his LRA should eventually be a mere tragic tale of the past. After the advent of peace and the formation of the newly set up governemnt in Khartoum with Kiir as the First Vice President, three powerful partners have emerged to fully cooperate and coordinate for the elimination of Kony rebels, namely the Sudan Government, Southern Government and Uganda Government.
It is not the matter of the red line that will hinder operations but it is the vigorous will on the part of Presidents Al-Bashir, Yoweri Museveni together with Salva Kiir that have proved beyond any reasonable doubt how consolidated and well orchestrated cooperation could yield an outstanding result.
The shattered remnants of Kony rebels as reported recently, are now seeking safe haven and refuge in the remote areas of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, only to prove the success of the vision of our leaders and their solid resolve.
The urgent need for infrastructure in the south is of paramount importance. The two leaders discussed Uganda’s role in connecting the two countries by modern roads and railway lines to foster ties together with the ultimate goal of promoting trade and investment between Sudan and Uganda.
Uganda should not miss the opportunity. A gigantic investment drive is already geared towards exploiting the various opportunities in Sudan which is rapidly developing, thanks to the discovery of oil in various regions of the country.
The leaders of the two countries have already shown readiness to consolidate relations and to face the various challenges for the sake of attaining durable peace and stability and sustainable growth and development for the benefit of the two countries.
The writer is the deputy head of mission/minister
plenipotentiary, embassy of the Republic of the Sudan in Kampala
Despite the tragic death of the hero Dr. John Garang, his successor Lt. Gen. Salva Kiir, the First Vice President and other prominent SPLM/A leaders have proved beyond doubt their resolve and willingness to fill the vacuum and to follow the profound vision of Dr. Garang for the good and welfare of the Sudan.
The accumulated and renowned experience of SPLM leaders in negotiations and their previous contacts and acquaintances with Darfur rebels will provide a comprehensive and prompt solution to the western Sudan problem.
However, major positive developments to the Darfur crisis have occurred since the signing of the Declaration of Principles between the government and the rebel movements in Abuja last July.
Government has agreed to apply the Naivasha model to the Darfur issues, the two parties are now engaged in detailed negotiations under the auspices of the African Union, UN and other international mediators to attain a comprehensive agreement relating to outstanding issues of wealth, authority sharing and the security arrangements.
Despite attacks by the rebels on some villages, the security and humanitarian situation in Darfur is much better and under control, thanks to the restraint by the government, efforts of the African Union monitoring team and other international and regional stakeholders.
Implications on consolidated relations between Sudan and Uganda
Uganda’s participation in the peace process of the Sudan was paramount. Ever since President Yoweri Museveni’s arrangement for the meeting between President Al-Bashir and Dr. John Garang in Kampala in 2002, which paved the way for the subsequent Naivasha negotiations, Uganda has never ceased to lend its assistance and wisdom to both parties to the conflict in southern Sudan.
Uganda and Sudan are connected by historical and eternal bonds. The affinities that relate peoples of northern Uganda to their brothers in southern Sudan can never be denied.
The legendary River Nile that historically united Sudan and Uganda has been inhabited mainly by the cross border common tribes of Nilotic descent.
The consolidation of relations between the governments of Sudan and Uganda after the advent of the Government of National Unity should be a priority in alleviating the suffering of the peoples of both countries.
Joseph Kony and his LRA should eventually be a mere tragic tale of the past. After the advent of peace and the formation of the newly set up governemnt in Khartoum with Kiir as the First Vice President, three powerful partners have emerged to fully cooperate and coordinate for the elimination of Kony rebels, namely the Sudan Government, Southern Government and Uganda Government.
It is not the matter of the red line that will hinder operations but it is the vigorous will on the part of Presidents Al-Bashir, Yoweri Museveni together with Salva Kiir that have proved beyond any reasonable doubt how consolidated and well orchestrated cooperation could yield an outstanding result.
The shattered remnants of Kony rebels as reported recently, are now seeking safe haven and refuge in the remote areas of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, only to prove the success of the vision of our leaders and their solid resolve.
The urgent need for infrastructure in the south is of paramount importance. The two leaders discussed Uganda’s role in connecting the two countries by modern roads and railway lines to foster ties together with the ultimate goal of promoting trade and investment between Sudan and Uganda.
Uganda should not miss the opportunity. A gigantic investment drive is already geared towards exploiting the various opportunities in Sudan which is rapidly developing, thanks to the discovery of oil in various regions of the country.
The leaders of the two countries have already shown readiness to consolidate relations and to face the various challenges for the sake of attaining durable peace and stability and sustainable growth and development for the benefit of the two countries.
The writer is the deputy head of mission/minister
plenipotentiary, embassy of the Republic of the Sudan in Kampala