2 May 2000 UN
Secretary-General Kofi Annan welcomes the Sudanese government's
declaration of a humanitarian cease-fire until 15 July of
this year. He also invites the SPLA/M to similarly extend
a cease-fire to create "an enabling environment for
humanitarian operations".
"Sudan: Secretary-General
Welcomes Humanitarian Ceasefire", Horn of Africa: IRIN
News Briefs, 2 May 2000
8 May 2000 The
New Sudanese Council of Churches holds its People to People
East Bank Nilotics Reconciliation Conference, to assist
the peace process amongst four other ethnic groups of the
East Bank in addition to the Nuer and Dinka of the region.
Dr Harun L. Ruun, Executive
Secretary, "Press Release: East Bank Nilotics Reconciliation
Conference", New Sudan Council of Churches, Nairobi,
2 May 2000
8 May 2000 In
the course of his dispute with National Congress Party Secretary-General
Hassan al-Turabi, President al-Bashir announces that he
is "freezing" the secretariat of the Party. Information
Minister Dr Ghazi Saleheddin Atabani states that the move
is "directed primarily to correct the relationship
between two opposing poles . There is a personal element,
but basically it is the prerogatives of the two posts, the
relationship between the two, the symbolism - who is leader
of the party". Atabani also states that al-Bashir had
partly taken his latest measures in his capacity as President
of the republic because developments in the party were "threatening
the stability of the whole country" and that the moves
will not affect the timing of the forthcoming elections.
"Interview:
Sudan Elections to Go Ahead", News Article by Reuters,
8 May 2000
8 May 2000
The SPLA states that it will extend its cease-fire
in the Bahr al-Ghazal province for another three months
to allow the delivery of humanitarian relief supplies. However,
it also states that it is suspending negotiations with the
Sudanese government - scheduled to begin on May 17 - because
of the latter's alleged bombing of civilians. SPLA spokesman
Samson Kwaje declares: "Our conscience no longer allows
us to ignore the treatment being meted out daily to our
people by the very same regime that pretends to be engaging
in a dialogue for peace."
Sudanese Army spokesman
General Osman Yassin dismisses the SPLA claims of aerial
bombardment as an "unfounded allegation . a lie made
as an excuse to escape from participation in the forthcoming
round of [IGAD peace] talks".
"Sudanese Rebels Suspend
Negotiations, Extend Cease-Fire", News Article by Associated
Press, 8 May 2000; "SPLM Suspends Peace Talks";
IRIN News Briefs, 11 May 2000, p. 2
8 May 2000
Sheikh Hamid bin Rashid Al-Nuaimi of the United
Arab Emirates meets with Umma Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi.
He calls on "all the parties of Sudan to reject division,
to seek reconciliation, and to impose security and stability
in the interests of Sudan and of the Arab nation".
"UAE Calls for Sudanese
Reconciliation", News Article by Agence France Press,
8 May 2000
9 May 2000 Following
talks in Cairo with Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa,
SPLA leader John Garang states his belief that the current
clash between Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir and Islamist
leader and NIF Secretary General Hassan al-Tarabi could
lead to the unification of Sudan. Garang says: "There
is a crisis within the NIF party and regime, a clash between
Turabi and Bashir.It is good news for the Sudanese people
that there is conflict within the NIF, in such an organisation
which is totalitarian . once there is a split, or crack,
it does not stop. I think you have seen the beginning of
the end of the NIF regime.We will use it [i.e. the Bashir-Turabi
split] in the NDA in order to achieve fundamental change
in the country so that we can achieve a new Sudan and so
that our country remains united.We are in favour of a new
Sudan, a united Sudan that is based on a new political dispensation.
A Sudan that accepts all its citizens, whether they are
Moslems or Christians, whether they are of Arab or African
origin. A Sudan that belongs to all of us."
Garang also declares his
commitment to both the Egyptian-Libyan and IGAD peace initiatives:
"We have called for the Libyan-Egyptian initiative
and the IGAD initiative, which we also support, to be merged
together so that there is only one track for negotiations.If
we prefer one initiative over another this will split Sudan
into north and south."
"Sudan Rebel Upbeat
on Government Crisis", News Article by Reuters, 9 May
2000; "Sudan Rebel Discusses Crisis With Mubarek",
News Article by Reuters, 10 May 2000
9 May 2000
Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail states
that the Sudanese government negotiation team is still planning
to head to Nairobi for the 17 May IGAD peace negotiations
in spite of the SPLA statement that they will be boycotting
the talks. Ismail states: "The [Sudanese] government
is committed to participation in the round of peace on the
date set by IGAD.We will make our decision [on attendance]
in the light of what we receive from IGAD Committee Secretary
General Daniel Mboya rather than the rebel statement."
"Khartoum Committed
to Peace Talks Despite Rebel Boycott", News Article
by Agence France Presse, 9 May 2000
11 May 2000
Sudan and Tunisia agree to restore international
relations and exchange diplomatic representation. Sudanese
Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail states that this is
the last step in re-establishing diplomatic ties with all
the Arab countries.
"Khartoum Restores
Relations With Tunisia", Sudan: IRIN News Briefs, 11
May, pp. 2-3
13 May 2000 Egyptian
Foreign Minister Amr Moussa states that Egypt is planning
talks with Sudan and Libya to discuss all aspects of the
Sudanese civil war. Regarding the possibility of the integration
of the Egyptian-Libyan and IGAD peace initiatives, he states:
"There is an invitation
to the secretary-general of IGAD to visit Cairo and Tripoli.The
ball is in IGAD's camp. We have expressed our desire for
coordination and we are waiting for IGAD to make the next
move.We are waiting for IGAD's next step after we have expressed
our interest in integration between the two initiatives."
"Egypt Says Three-Way
Talks to be Held on Sudan War", News Article by Reuters,
13 May 2000; "Egypt and Libya Try Again for Reconciliation
in Sudan", News Article by Agence France Presse, 13
May 2000
14 May 2000 Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir expresses dissatisfaction with
the Egyptian-Libyan peace initiative and calls for direct
meetings with the opposition who he urges to be "more
concerned" about peace. Al-Bashir states:
"The government is
prepared to reach an agreement with all its opponents...
[and] is prepared to call on all factions to develop [the
Djibouti agreement with the Umma Party] into a comprehensive
accord which would lead towards a national unity government".
"Bashir Urges Sudanese
Opposition to be More Concerned for Peace", News Article
by Agence France Presse, 15 May 2000
8-15 May 2000 The
East Bank Nilotic Peace Conference is held at Liliir, in
the Bor area of the Upper Nile, under the auspices of the
New Sudan Council of Churches - inspired by the success
of the previous West Bank Dinka Nuer Conference in Wunlit
in March 1999. 129 representatives of Anyuak, Dinka, Jie,
Kachpo, Murle and Nuer groups from the region sign a public
covenant pledging an end to "all traditional hostilities",
establishing an "amnesty.for all offences against our
people and property prior to the conference", a return
of all abducted women and children, "freedom of movement
across.common borders" amongst others.
"Press Release: Lilir
Peace Conference - 'East Bank Nilotic People to People Peace
and Reconciliation Conference, Upper Nile, Sudan, May 2000
- Another Significant Breakthrough in the Expanding Southern
Sudanese Grassroots Peace Process'", Sudan Working
Group, 17 May 2000
17 May 2000
Mustafa al-Fequi, Under-Secretary at the Egyptian
Foreign Ministry, states that SPLA leader John Garang has
made it clear in current discussions in Cairo, that he preferred
to resolve Sudan's civil war without dividing the country.
Al-Fequi states: "Garang has said . that a north-south
split in Sudan is not his first choice.He said the primary
choice for people in the south is a new Sudan that runs
on a constitution that affirms equality according to the
rights of citizenship".
"Egypt Says Secession
Not Sudan Rebel's First Choice", News Article by Reuters,
17 May 2000
18 May 2000 Mohammed
Osman al-Mirghani, Chairman of the National Democratic Alliance
states that he has received a message from Sudanese President
al-Bashir declaring his willingness to unify all Sudanese
parties and proposing a inclusive conference. Mirghani expresses
his appreciation of this "goodwill" message, welcomes
its contents, and states that it will be given full consideration
and presented to the NDA leadership.
"Sudanese Opposition
Gives Cautious Welcome to Bashir Peace Call", News
Article by Agence France Presse, 18 May 2000
18 May 2001 In
an interview with the Cairo-based newspaper Al-Ahram
SPLA leader John Garang describes what his view of a "negotiated
settlement" with the government of Sudan means. He
states: "We do not mean joining with the regime or
reaching a power-sharing agreement with the ruling clique.
What we want is for the NIF to negotiate itself out of power,
just like the apartheid regime of South Africa did. We are
not seeking reconciliation with the regime in Khartoum.
They have reached a political dead end and we want them
to negotiate the terms of their surrender of power".
"The NIF Must Take
the Back Seat", Al-Ahram Weekly, No. 482, 18-24
May 2000
21 May 2000 Sudanese
President al-Bashir orders the release of all female prisoners
held in the country. Over 75% of women in Sudan's prisons
are thought to be mainly from the South, and generally convicted
for making or selling alcohol, which is banned under sharia
law.
"Sudan's Bashir Orders
All Female Prisoners Freed", News Article by Reuters,
21 May 2000
26 May 2000 Anthony
J. Kozlowski, President of the American Refugee Committee,
returns from a week-long fact-finding trip to Sudan. He
states that there "have been human rights violations
on both sides of the conflict - by Sudanese government forces.as
well as by the southern rebels". However, he states
that the Sudanese government expresses its willingness to
negotiate a general cease-fire and address the issue of
increased autonomy for the South. He declares: "Our
concern is for the people and how to stop the fighting,
and we feel one of the best ways to do that is for the US
government to engage with Khartoum, irrespective of what
kinds of things the government is accused of."
"A Hint of Hope for
the War-Weary Sudanese", The Washington Post,
26 May 2000
28 May 2000
Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir expresses optimism
over prospects for national reconciliation, after receiving
a message from NDA chairman Mohammed Osman al-Mirghani.
He states that the message is "a good sign of an approaching
national reconciliation . [and] contained positive elements
for pushing forward current efforts for reaching a peaceful
settlement". An Egyptian-Libyan delegation also arrives
to brief the Sudanese government on proposal made by the
NDA for the planned reconciliation conference.
"Bashir Sees Hope for
Reconciliation in Message from Opposition Leader",
News Article by Agence France Press, 28 May 2000
28 May 2000 SPLA
leader John Garang visits President Thabo Mbeki of South
Africa. He states that Mbeki is very receptive to South
Africa playing a key role in a further bid to end the Sudanese
conflict via the establishment of a partnership between
African countries and IGAD. Garang visualises an African
based structure and partnership forum similar to IGAD.
"Mbeki Receptive to
a Role in Sudan Peace", Business Day (Johannesburg),
28 May 2000
31 May 2000 A
joint Sudanese-Egyptian technical committee ends two days
of meetings in Khartoum, and announces agreement on economic,
trade, industrial, agricultural, cultural and consular cooperation,
and security against terrorism issues. Visa requirements
between the two nations are also declared to be coming to
an end.
Assistant Foreign Minister
Mustafa al-Fequi also reports on his mediation activities
between the Sudanese government and the opposition NDA.
He states that Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail
responded to NDA proposals "in a manner that I wished
the opposition leaders were here to listen to". He
also stated that he "[believed] that if [the two sides]
sit down together at the negotiating table, the two sides
will certainly reach agreement".
"Sudano-Egyptian Cooperation,
Sudanese Reconciliation", News Article by Agence France
Presse, 31 May 2000
4 June 2000 Exile
opposition figure Ambrose A. Beny responds to SPLA views
expressed in the Sudanese Democratic Gazette. He
questions the "rut.military and/or political"
in the SPLA's thinking, and comments on the "kleptomania
and hedonism the SPLM/A seems to have unleashed in Southern
Sudan and the other marginalised areas of Sudan".
Ambrose A. Beny, "Guest
Column: Unity or Partition ? Who Makes That Critical Choice?",
Sudan Democratic Gazette, June 2000
5 June 2000
Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir promises that
presidential and parliamentary elections set for October
will be free and fair. He states: "The next elections
would be a model, free and fair, to choose the strong and
trusted".
"Sudan's Bashir Promises
Free Elections in October", News Article by Reuters,
5 June 2000
5 June 2000 The
Finnish national chemical weapons testing laboratories stated
with regard to tests conducted on samples were collected
on 17 August 1999 near the town Lainya in South Sudan, and
presented as evidence of government involvement in chemical
weapons use: "Analysis of the gloves, control soil
sample and one water sample, revealed no relevant chemicals.
Analysis of all soil samples and one water sample revealed
the presence of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). In addition
to TNT, one soil sample contained the following degradation
products of TNT: 1,8-dinitronaphtalene, 1-nitronaphtalene
and 1,5-dinitronaphthalene." There was no evidence
of any chemical weapons, but there was evidence that a conventional
bomb had gone off. The VERIFIN report stated: "The
health hazards described in literature for TNT and its degradation
products, match quite well with the symptoms described by
the victims" - symptoms consistent with the use of
standard explosives.
'The Report of the Finnish
Institute for Verification of the Chemical Weapons Convention:
Analysis of Samples from Sudan', Helsinki, 20 June 2000,
as published in The ASA Newsletter, Issue No. 79,
2000, Applied Science and Analysis Inc, available at
http://www.asanltr.com/newsletter/00-4/sudan_verifin.htm
5 June 2000 The
British government's chemical and biological defence agency
at Porton Down rigorously tested seventeen samples of water,
soil and shrapnel provided by British journalist Damien
Lewis for the spectrum of known chemical agents. Lewis had
claimed these samples proved the Sudanese government's use
of chemical weapons in southern Sudan. In the British government's
response, the Minister of State for Defence Procurement
stated that "very careful analysis of all the available
evidence" led the government to "conclude that
there is no evidence to substantiate the allegations that
chemical weapons were used in these incidents in the Sudan."
The minister stated that "samples of water, soil, and
shrapnel collected from three sites in the Sudan were analysed
for the presence of known chemical agents, ie the classical
nerve agents, mustard, and other recognised agents, for
their environmental degradation products, and for riot-control
agents. They were also screened for the presence of arsenic.
No intact CW agents, their associated environmental degradation
products, or riot-control agents were identified in any
of the samples." More of Lewis's samples were independently
tested in the United States. The minister also stated with
regard to these and other samples that "a separate
set of samples taken from the sites of the alleged CW attacks
in the Sudan was tested independently in the US. The results
of these tests also indicated no evidence of exposure to
CW agents. I understand that Mr Lewis also passed samples
to the Finnish institute responsible for chemical weapons
verification ("VERIFIN") and I am advised that
this analysis likewise found evidence of TNT but none for
CW agents." The British government remarked on "the
consistency of results from these three independent sets
of analysis".
Letter from Baroness Symons,
Minister of State for Defence Procurement, to Baroness Cox
Regarding the testing of Damien Lewis's samples at the Chemical
and Biological Defence Agency, Porton Down, Reference D/MIN(DP)/ECS/13/3/3,
5 June 2000
9 June 2000 Former
first Vice-President Major-General Omer Muhammad al-Tayeb
returns to Sudan and is greeted by presidential adviser
for political affairs Abdel Basit Sabdrat, the Governor
of the Nile Region, other government ministers and senior
state officials. Al-Tayeb publicly commends al-Bashir's
initiatives and states that he will take part in the country's
peace process and consensus.
News Article on Sudan TV
(Omdurman), 8 June 2000
10 June 2000 Egyptian
Foreign Minister Amr Moussa holds talks with Umma Party
leader Sadiq al-Mahdi. He states that: "The Egyptian-Libyan
contacts have produced promising results and all the parties
are ready to make a serious step towards a comprehensive
political solution."
"Egypt's Moussa Meets
Sudanese Opposition Leader", News Article by Reuters,
10 June 2000
11 June 2000 Umma
Party Leader Sadiq al-Mahdi meets US special envoy to Sudan
Harry Johnston. He presents him with an Umma Party report
on the issue of a comprehensive political settlement. The
report states that the US had previously given "contradictory
signals" over Sudan and requested that Washington should
be clear in order to help reach a political solution.
"Sudan Opposition Leader
Holds Talks With Envoy", News Article by Reuters, 11
June 2000
17 June 2000 The
SPLA launched a major new offensive in the area of Gogrial
in southern Sudan. In so doing the SPLA broke the humanitarian
cease-fire that had been in place for a year. The Sudanese
government stated that rebel forces had shelled Gogrial
town for twelve hours.
"Renewed Fighting Between
Sudanese Government Forces and Rebels", News Article
by DPA, 17 June 2000.
17 June 2000 The
Sudanese government accuses the rebel SPLA of violating
a cease-fire in the southern Bahr el-Ghazal region.
"Khartoum Accuses Rebels
of Violating Southern Ceasefire", News Article by Agence
France Presse, 17 June 2000
18 June 2000 Following
pressure from both US envoy to Sudan Harry Johnston and
Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi, the SPLA states that it
is willing to return to the IGAD peace negotiations. "We
feel our conditions for suspension have been met.[the SPLA
is] willing to come back any time they [i.e. IGAD] fix a
date."
"Rebels Say They're
Ready to Resume Peace Talks", News Article by Associated
Press, 18 June 2000; "SPLM Press Release: SPLM/SPLA
Resumes Peace Talks With Government of Sudan Under IGAD",
Dr Samson L. Kwaje, SPLA Spokesman, Nairobi, 19 June 2000
20 June 2000 South
Africa and Algeria, in the capacities as chairmen of the
114-member Non-Aligned Movement and the 22-member Arab Group
of states respectively called on the Security Council to
withdraw the sanctions. The Organisation of African Unity,
representing 53 countries, has also urged the Security Council
to rescind the sanctions in question. In a letter to the
President of the Security Council, OAU Secretary-General
Salim Ahmed Salim stated that the lifting of the sanctions
was an urgent matter: "The lifting of sanctions imposed
on Sudan is not only urgently called for, but would also
positively contribute to efforts aimed at promoting peace,
security and stability in the region." The Egyptian
government had earlier stated that having seen "a number
of positive and encouraging indications from the part of
the Sudanese government" aimed at improving Sudan's
relations with Egypt, it supported the rescinding of the
sanctions. The Ethiopian government had also stated "it
is the conviction of the Ethiopian Government that the concerns
that gave rise to the sanctions.no longer apply.Ethiopia
is, therefore, of the view that it is now time for the lifting
of the sanctions imposed on the Sudan".
'OAU Urges Security Council
to Lift Sudan Sanctions', News Article by Reuters, 20 June
2000: Letter from the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs
to the President of the United Nations Security Council,
8 June 2000; Letter from the Ethiopian Acting Minister of
Foreign Affairs to the President of the United Nations Security
Council, 5 June 2000.
20 June 2000 In
a letter to the President of the Security Council, OAU Secretary-General
Salim Ahmed Salim called for the lifting of United Nations
diplomatic sanctions on Sudan: "The lifting of sanctions
imposed on Sudan is not only urgently called for, but would
also positively contribute to efforts aimed at promoting
peace, security and stability in the region."
'OAU Urges Security Council
to Lift Sudan Sanctions', News Article by Reuters on 20
June 2000.
20 June 2000
The Organisation of African Unity urges the UN Security
Council to rescind its sanctions against Sudan. OAU Secretary-General
Salim Ahmed Salim states: "The lifting of sanctions
imposed on Sudan is not only urgently called for, but would
also positively contribute to efforts aimed at promoting
peace, security and stability in the area."
"Sudan's Bashir Grants
General Amnesty to Rebels", News Article by Reuters,
21 June 2000
21 June 2000 The
Umma Party rules out any links with the Islamist grouping
lead by Dr Hassan al-Turabi.
"Sudan's Opposition
Umma Party Said to Shun Turabi", News Article by Reuters,
21 June 2000
21 June 2000 Egyptian
Ambassador to Sudan Mohammed Asem Ibrahim states that Egypt
is strongly opposed to the idea of separating southern Sudan.
"Egypt Strongly Opposed
to Separation of South Sudan: Diplomat", News Article
by Associated Press, 21 June 2000
21 June 2000 Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir grants an "unconditional general
amnesty" to any Sudanese, civilian or military, who
committed an act of rebellion between 30 June 1989 and 20
June 2000. Anyone wishing to benefit from it "shall
return to Sudan willingly, declare his commitment to the
constitutions and laws, and abandon violence". He states:
"Sudan is now open to all its sons without exception
and from now the door of freedom which has opened will not
close . Dialogue is what resolves our problems, military
action does not settle issues."
"Sudan's Bashir Grants
General Amnesty to Rebels", News Article by Reuters,
21 June 2000; "Sudan's Bashir Says Foes Should Talk
Not Fight", News Article by Reuters, 22 June 2000
21 June 2000 The
Sudanese Army states that it has repelled a series of rebel
attacks violating the partial cease-fire in the south in
the Gogrial, Kwangina and Awiel areas of the Bahr al-Ghazal
region. Army spokesman General Mohammed Osman Yassin states
that he believes SPLA leader John Garang had refused to
meet US envoy Harry Johnston in Nairobi and decided instead
to travel to southern Sudan to supervise the attacks.
"Sudan Says Repels
Three Rebel Attacks in South", News Article by Reuters,
21 June 2000; "Sudanese Army Says It Repels Wave of
Rebel Attacks in South", News Article by Agence France
Presse, 21 June 2000
21 June 2000 The
Umma Party welcomes the Sudanese Government's offer of general
amnesty. Party spokesman Hassan Ahmed al-Hassan states:
"We believe it is a positive step, because any decision
in the direction of efforts for a peaceful global settlement
is welcome . This decision largely helps create a propitious
atmosphere for a diplomatic settlement and demonstrates
good intentions . The decree is all the more important because
it comes at a time when the Sudanese regime is seeking a
comprehensive political settlement and has undertaken measures
in this direction". However, he also calls upon the
government to "accelerate the adoption of additional
measures the opposition considers necessary."
Democratic Unionist Party
spokesman Ali Ahmed al-Sayyed states: "It is a step
towards setting the stage for dialogue" but warns that
"the government has previously taken many decisions
that have not been implemented" and fears that "the
decree may be retracted at any time by another decision
or obstructed by another official within the government
itself". He insists on a cancellation of all laws restricting
freedoms "as a guarantee for implementing this decree".
The SPLA, however, rejects
the offer of amnesty. Yassir Arman, its spokesman in Asmara,
states:
"We reject General
Bashir's decision, because we believe it is he who needs
to be pardoned and because we want a true democracy and
complete peace . [Bashir should be] brought before an international
court of justice like the Serbian leaders of the former
Yugoslavia for the crimes he has committed . [as should]
all members of the regime or everyone who has participated
at undermining the political and economic life of the country
and who practised corruption."
"Northern Opposition
Party Welcomes Sudan Amnesty", News Article by Agence
France Presse, 21 June 2000; "Opposition Rejects Sudan's
President's Amnesty", News Article by Agence France
Press, 21 June 2000; "Opposition Reserved, Sceptical
Over Amnesty", News Article by Agence France Presse,
22 June 2000
21 June 2000 The
SPLA claims that they have killed over 412 government troops
in three days of fighting starting with an ambush near the
oil fields, and over 2,000 during May and June. It also
renews its warnings to western oil firms. SPLA Yassir Arman
states: "The SPLA warned the oil companies against
prospecting in these regions and repeated that it considers
the oil fields to be legitimate targets.Oil production under
the Islamist regime will prolong the war and threaten internal,
regional and international security, because it serves the
interests of extremist forces which have exploited the oil."
The SPLA also states that
it has launched a "systematic campaign" to close
down a major oilfield north of Bentiu.
"Sudanese Rebels Claim to Have Killed 412 Government
Troops", News Article by Agence France Presse, 21 June 2000;
"Sudan Rebels Say They Kill 430 Troops in Oil Battle", News
Article by Reuters, 22 June 2000
