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Church in the WorldKhartoum riots follow Garang?s deathAfrica 6 August 2005CHURCH and political leaders internationally have urged the Sudanese to continue the peace process between north and south in the aftermath of the sudden death of John Garang, the former rebel leader who became vice-president. John Garang died in a helicopter crash last Sunday while returning from an official visit to Uganda. His deputy, Salva Kiir, who has been nominated by the Sudan People?s Liberation Movement to be Mr Garang?s successor as vice-president of Sudan, called upon ?all members of the SPLM and the entire Sudanese nation to remain calm and vigilant?. He said his movement?s leadership would continue Mr Garang?s vision and objectives. Sudan?s Head of State, Omar al-Bashir, announced he would be travelling to Juba, in South Sudan, for Mr Garang?s funeral. At least 36 people died in riots in Khartoum and other cities after news of the death of the 60-year-old leader. A missionary source in the coastal city of Port Sudan said ?Few are convinced about the government?s explanation blaming the weather for the helicopter crash that killed John Garang, even if there are usually strong thunderstorms in the area at this time of year and the cause is plausible.? In Darfur, many had hoped that, as vice-president, John Garang might intervene in its separate peace process. And during his visit to Uganda last week, Mr Garang held talks to end the violence perpetrated by the Lord?s Resistance Army in the north, operating out of bases in Sudan. ?All militias, including those that once enjoyed the support of the Sudanese government, will have to be dismantled? were among his final public words. Mr Garang recently steered the SPLM into a government of national unity with the dominant Arab-Islamic government of Sudan after 21 years of civil war. The peace deal was signed in January and John Garang sworn in as vice-president of Sudan only three weeks ago in Khartoum, cheered on by millions of southerners lining the streets. ?Our people are now confused, but we hope those who remain will steer the country to peace,? said Anthony Bangoye, general secretary of the Sudanese bishops? conference. |
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