Church in the World

Hope against hope in Sudan

Africa

Church leaders have welcomed progress in the Sudan peace process, signalled by new ceasefire terms and wealth-sharing arrangements between the Sudanese Government and the Sudan People?s Liberation Army (SPLA). The Khartoum-based Government in the Muslim north of the country and the SPLA, which represents the Christians and peoples of traditional religions in the south, have been involved in lengthy and delicate negotiations since the signing of the Machakos protocol peace truce in Kenya last year.

At many points, their third phase of talks in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, seemed on the verge of failure, but the delegations were finally able to define procedures for the sharing of power and the management of the country?s oil resources, a bitter source of division during Sudan?s 20-year civil war, writes Fredrick Nzwili from Nairobi.

The Government and the SPLA agreed to return any territory taken since the signing last July of the Machakos protocol. The truce was later broken by both government and rebel forces and most recently violated last month by pro-government troops. International observers from Britain, Norway, Italy and the United States will now investigate any reported breaches of the ceasefire.

Both sides also agreed to set up a government of national unity to guide the nation until the next democratic elections, scheduled for six years? time, and a referendum on self-determination in the south.

Sudanese church leaders are cautiously optimistic, but have warned that past commitments to end fighting have not been honoured. Some church spokesmen pointed out that current commitments seem to suggest a united Sudan, whereas southerners were still waiting for self-determination.

Renewed fighting has been reported in the south of Sudan, leaving Christians without food and shelter, according to a church agency, Release International, which monitors the persecution of Christians in the country. Attacks by government and militia forces have forced people to flee and the SPLA alleges it has intercepted government messages saying international relief centres should not receive supplies.