18 August 2000
General Abdel Rahman, Chairman of the Comprehensive
Political Settlement Committee of the National Democratic
Alliance, writes to Ambassador Daniel Mboya, Special Envoy,
IGAD Peace Process for Sudan and to the Italian government
with a Memorandum to the IGAD Secretariat. The Memorandum
argues that the Sudanese conflict is not merely a north-south
one and that: "Therefore the inclusion of the NDA in
IGAD becomes necessary for the achievement of a comprehensive
peace settlement." It re-affirms its support for the
Egyptian-Libyan peace initiative and for the "coordination
and merger of the [IGAD and Egyptian-Libyan] initiatives".
It concludes that:
"Lasting peace, if
at all possible, requires a comprehensive political settlement
through negotiations between the NDA and Government of Sudan.
This is the best means to speed up the peace process and
ensure the unity of the country."
General Abdel Rahman Saeed,
Chairman Comprehensive Political Settlement Committee, National
Democratic Alliance, "Letter to Ambassador Daniel Mboya,
Special Envoy, IGAD Peace Process for Sudan and Memorandum
to Political Settlement Committee (IGAD)", 18 August
2000
27 August 2000 Responding
to American criticism with regard to aerial bombing, Dr
Mustafa Osman Ismail states that the US "openly sides
with the rebel movement and offers it political and military
assistance". Regarding the accusations of bombing civilian
targets he states: "The American administration repeats
allegations by the rebel movement without bothering to verify
them." Bombing civilian targets "is not part of
the government policy", he adds, but accuses the SPLA
of using humanitarian relief sites as "shields of protection".
He states: "It is legitimate to target the military
bases of the rebel movement.[relief sites] have become venues
of planning for attacking and occupying more [government
held] towns."
Dr Ismail also refutes allegations
that the Sudanese government targets relief workers in south
Sudan. He states: "Not a single relief worker has ever
been killed or wounded by the government while the rebel
movement's record is full of murdering, abducting and beating
operations of the relief workers."
"Khartoum Accuses Washington
of Fanning War in Sudan", News Article by Agence France
Presse, 27 August 2000
27 August 2000 Ahmed
Ibrahim Tahir, Presidential advisor for peace accuses the
US of militarily and politically backing the rebels in the
south and thus prolonging the war. He states: "America
stands with the rebel movement and declares its military
and political support."
"Sudan Officials Accuse
US of Aiding Rebels", News Article by Associated Press,
27 August 2000
29 August 2000 The
Sudanese Foreign Ministry accuses the US government of prolonging
the Sudanese civil war. It states: "The US administration
is one of the main reasons for the continuation of the war
and the humanitarian situation in southern Sudan by encouraging
the rebel movement to reject peace initiatives."
It further claims that the
US turns a blind eye to SPLA cease-fire violations, and
that American condemnation of alleged Sudanese bombing of
civilian targets was "unjustified and not supported
by evidence". It states: "It is not the policy
of the Sudan government to strike civilian targets, but
at the same time it reaffirms its right to hit military
targets of the rebel movement which, regretfully, is using
positions and aid centres as a sort of protection."
It further blames the SPLA for instigating the fighting
that prompted the 1998 famine in the Bahr al-Ghazal region
and accuses it of doing the same thing again - using the
declared cease-fire to launch an attack on Gogrial.
"Sudan Accuses US of
Prolonging Civil War", News Article by Reuters, 29
August 2000
1 September 2000 US
envoy to Sudan Harry Johnston proposes that the Sudanese
government immediately gives the southerner Sudanese the
right to self-determination and offers to meet with southern
and northern opposition groups to discuss these ideas during
the forthcoming National Democratic Alliance meeting in
Asmara.
The opposition Umma Party
spokesman Hassan Ahmed al-Hassan rejects the proposals:
"We are against such ideas because we want to first
give a chance to a solution guaranteeing Sudan's unity.We
favour a peace accord giving the southerners the right to
self-determination after a four-year transitional period
in which the northerners and southerners try to rebuild
trust between themselves."
"Sudanese Opposition
Group Says It Opposes US Self-Determination Proposal",
News Article by Agence France Presse, 1 September 2000
2 September 2000 Sudanese
Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail states that the
US could play a role in the peace process, but should distance
itself from the rebel movement. He states:
"Everyone agrees that
the American role in the installation of peace in Sudan
is important. This role will be best if the US adopts a
neutral position, and we in Sudan hope for such a position.For
the past year, there's been improvement in the American
position, although the US has and continues to show favour
toward the rebel movement.We are currently working to improve
the American position some more so that it becomes neutral."
"Sudan Calls for US
Role in Country's Peace Process", News Article by Agence
France Presse, 2 September 2000
2 September 2000 The
foreign ministers of Egypt and Sudan meet in Cairo to sign
eight cooperation agreements. Sudanese Foreign Minister
Mustafa Osman Ismail states that the meeting was the "crowning"
of the process of normalisation between the two countries.
The meeting discusses the rescheduling of approximately
70 million dollars of Sudanese debt to Egypt as well as
measures to make travel between the two countries easier.
Other matters are passed onto specialist technical committees
for resolution.
"Egypt, Sudan FMs Meet,
Crowning Normalisation of Ties", News Article by Agence
France Presse, 2 September 2000
3 September 2000 Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir reiterates his willingness to normalise
relations with the US, but not at the expense of Islamic
law. He states: "We are prepared for serious dialogue
for normalisation of relations with America.[but not] at
the expense of the Sharia." He reaffirms that: "Peace
will be our topmost concern in the coming period. We will
pursue a peace of dignity and honour to the people of Sudan
and for this end we will continue dialogue with the country
for unification of all Sudanese people."
"Beshir Rules Out Sacrificing
Islamic Law for Relations with US", News Article by
Agence France Presse, 3 September 2000
18 September 2000 The
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa declared Egypt's support
for Sudan's candidacy for a seat on the United Nations Security
Council: "There is an African and an Arab decision
in Sudan's favour concerning this issue."
"Egypt Backs Sudan
Bid to Join UN Security Council", News Article by Reuters,
18 September 2000.
19 September 2000 IGAD
peace talks between the Sudanese government and the rebels
are due to start again in Nairobi. However, SPLA leader
John Garang states that: "Any peace talks are due to
fail as long as [the Khartoum government] insist that sharia,
the Islamic law, will remain the supreme law of the land."
"Sudan Peace Talks
Resume, Little Progress Seen", News Article by Reuters,
19 September 2000
19 September 2000 Sudanese
Minister of Information Dr Ghazi Saleheddin Atabani, welcomes
the fact that SPLA leader John Garang has expressed readiness
to take steps towards a peaceful solution. This indicated
"a new language", he states, and hopes that it
expresses a "true desire for peace".
"Sudan: Government
Says Rebel Leader's Offer 'Encouraging'", News Article
by IRIN, 19 September 2000
20 September 2000 The
Sudanese government delegation leaves for the latest IGAD
peace talks in Nairobi. The Presidential peace advisor states
that his delegation "is fully mandated to sign any
agreement to be reached with the rebel movement". However,
he adds that: "The rebel movement is still unwilling
to reach peace but this will not dissuade us from our peace
efforts."
"Government Delegation
Leaves for Peace Talks in Nairobi", News Article by
Agence France Presse, 20 September 2000
21 September 2000 The
Sudanese government extends its cease-fire in the south
by two weeks. Sudanese Information Minister Dr Ghazi Saleheddin
Atabani states: "The ceasefire has been declared to
create an atmosphere conducive to reaching peace and stopping
the bloodshed among the Sudanese people.for the success
of the peace talks."
"Sudan Government Extends
Ceasefire for Two Weeks", News Article by Reuters,
21 September 2001; "Government Declares Ceasefire in
South Sudan", News Article by Agence France Presse,
22 September 2000
25 September 2000 During
a seminar in Egypt Umma Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi accuses
SPLA leader John Garang of using the National Democratic
Alliance to pursue aims that can only be achieved by military
force. He cites Garang's repeated calls for military victory
and also accuses him of working in conjunction with the
US government to "kill the Egyptian-Libyan initiative".
He further argues that the US government is working to eliminate
Islam from Sudanese politics, to detach Sudan politically
from North Africa, and to replace existing oil firms in
Sudan with American ones.
"Sudan: Bashir to Meet
Mirghani as Garang Urges Arabs to Lend Him an Ear",
News Article by Mideast Mirror, 25 September 2000
25 September 2000 In
an interview with the magazine Mideast Mirror SPLA
leader John Garang claims that he is a "guarantor"
of "a new unified Sudan", and accuses the Sudanese
government of having a "hidden agenda to divide the
country and undermine the cohesion of the Sudanese people.The
NIF is seeking the south's secession". He further claims
that he has always "called for harmonisation and coordination
between the [IGAD and Egyptian-Libyan peace] initiatives".
"Sudan: Bashir to Meet
Mirghani as Garang Urges Arabs to Lend Him an Ear",
Mideast Mirror, 25 September 2000
26 September 2000 Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir meets Mohammed Osman al-Mirghani,
leader of the opposition Democratic Unionist Party and head
of the National Democratic Alliance, during his visit to
the Eritrean capital of Asmara, in order to discuss moves
to promote a political settlement in Sudan. This is the
first time the government has ever had direct talks with
the NDA. Sudanese Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail
states that the meeting is in keeping with "the government's
priority of achieving entente and peace" in Sudan and
expresses his hope that it will lead to "uniting ranks.and
pushing the entire process forward".
An NDA official states:
"We have to agree on a general framework which will
result in a forum for negotiation in which the two parties
will commit themselves to negotiate in one forum which will
be the result if the coordination and merger of the IGAD
peace initiative and the joint Egyptian-Peace initiative."
President Bashir declares
that "the exploratory meeting we had was successful.We
agreed that dialogue and not military means is the way of
resolving problems". A joint statement is issued which
declares: "The two sides have expressed their determination
to bring about a quick end to the war and the creation of
suitable conditions for voluntary unity between the north
and the south.The two sides have expressed their conviction
that peace and stability of Sudan could only be achieved
by a peaceful settlement and not by military means."
"Sudan: Bashir to Meet
Mirghani as Garang Urges Arabs to Lend Him an Ear",
News Article by Mideast Mirror, 25 September 2000;
"Sudan's Bashir in Eritrea for Talks With Key Rivals",
News Article by Reuters, 26 September 2000; "Al-Bashir,
Al-Mirghani Agree Direct Talks Is Sole Way for Solving Political
Problems", News Article by SUNA, 27 September 2000;
"Sudan President Meets Opposition", News Article
by BBC, 27 September 2000; "Sudan President, Opposition
Group Hold First Talks", News Article by Reuters, 27
September 2000; "Sudan: Belligerent Foes Opt for Negotiation",
News Article by PANA, 27 September 2000
28 September 2000 Salah
Jalal, an Umma Party official, states that "the party
welcomes the meeting and that it is in line with the instructions
of the Umma party and its efforts for a comprehensive political
settlement which emphasise the necessity of the serious
work for the national agenda to end the war and to achieve
democratic change through a political agreement".
"Sudanese Opposition
Welcomes Merghany Bashir Meeting", News Article by
ArabicNews.com, 28 September 2000
29 September 2000 At
the end of its three-day annual conference Sudan's ruling
National Congress Party issues a closing statement backing
fair and unrestricted political freedoms. It states that
it will observe "lasting free and responsible democratic
activity" without "political isolation and restrictions,
except under the law to prevent political violence".
It declares its support for "political relaxation"
as pledged by Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir and its
commitment to removing laws restraining freedom and guaranteeing
"opportunities to all willing political parties for
pursuing constructive political activities". It also
expresses its support for self-determination for southern
Sudan and "optional unity based on the recognition
of religious and ethnic diversity".
The Party also notes "with
satisfaction" previous contact by the government with
opposition groups, including the Democratic Unionist Party,
the Umma Party and the NDA.
"Sudan's Ruling Party
Backs Political Freedoms, Southern Self-Determination",
News Article by Agence France Presse, 29 September 2000
29 September 2000 The
Sudanese government claims that SPLA forces attacked government
forces in the southern Bahr al-Ghazal region and were repulsed.
It also claims that SPLA is massing troops in the Eastern
Equatoria state bordering Uganda and Kenya, with their potential
military targets the towns of Torit, Mugiri and Kiyala.
"Sudan Accuses Rebels
of Attacking Forces in South", News Article by Reuters,
29 September 2000
30 September 2000 The
United States vigorously campaigns against Sudan's candidacy
for a seat on the United Nations Security Council. Washington
is promoting a rival African group nation, Mauritius, for
the seat for which the Organisation of African Unity had
nominated Sudan. The Sudanese ambassador to the United Nations
stated: "A superpower promoting a small country to
contest another country against the will of the region is
unprecedented. The permanent members should not get involved
in such things."
"U.S. Campaign Disrupts
Sudan Bid", News Article by Associated Press, 30 September
2000
30 September 2000 Democratic
Unionist Party leader and NDA head Mohammed Osman al-Mirghani
leaves Asmara to travel to Cairo for meetings with Egyptian
Foreign Minister Amr Moussa. It is reported that the talks
will focus on preliminary meetings between the Sudanese
government and other parties to discuss a date for holding
a national dialogue.
"Merghani Starts Talks
in Cairo About a Sudanese National Reconciliation",
News Article by KUNA, 30 September 2000
2 October 2000 At
the close of the IGAD negotiations in Nairobi the Sudanese
government issues an official statement. It defends its
compromise proposals regarding religious freedom in Sudan.
Whilst the SPLA continues to insist on full "secularism",
the Khartoum government proposes an implementation of Sharia
"that at the national level .shall not affect the rights
of non-Muslims.[and] at state level.shall apply only to
states that co-opt for it". The government also agrees
with proposals from the IGAD national envoys regarding "a
federal arrangement formula that gives the south full autonomy
and guarantees fair wealth-sharing throughout the country".
The Sudanese government
also "reiterates its full commitment to the IGAD peace
process being a viable framework for resolving the conflict
of south Sudan".
Although minimal progress
is made at the talks a Sudanese government spokesman states
that the gap between the government and the SPLA was "narrowing".
He further states that the Sudanese government is trying
to come up "with a formula where the diverse cultures
and . ethnic groups and.religious communities in the Sudan
coexist" in order to "strike a balance between
the right of each group and religion".
"Government of the
Sudan Delegation to IGAD Peace Talks: Press Release on the
Sudan Peace Talks 21st September-1 October 2000,
at http://www.sudmer.com/Peace/IGAD-Peace-Sept.2000.htm;
"Sudan: Government Optimistic on Talks", News
Article by IRIN, Nairobi, 3 October 2000
5 October 2000 At
a ceremony of welcome for visiting Eritrean President Issias
Afeworki, organised by the opposition Umma Party, Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir affirms the necessity of giving
further impetus to all Sudanese political forces drawing
up a joint programme aimed at realising peace and national
accord.
"President Al-Bashir
Affirms Necessity of Giving Impetus to Peace Realisation
Efforts in the Country", News Article by SUNA, 7 October
2000
10 October 2000 Sudanese
President al-Bashir reaffirms the government's commitment
to convening a preparatory dialogue forum for national reconciliation
to be initiated on 16 October.
"President Al-Bashir
Affirms Government's Keenness on Holding Preparatory Dialogue
Forum on October 16", News Article by SUNA, 10 October
2000; "The Sudanese President and the Reconciliation
Forum", News Article by ArabicNews.com, 11 October
2000
16 October 2000 The
preparatory meeting for the Sudanese national reconciliation
conference starts with more than 650 political figures attending.
"Preparatory Meeting
Kicks Off in Sudan", News Article by KUNA, 16 October
2001
16 October 2000 The
Sudanese government declares a further temporary ceasefire
for the period 16-27 October to enable UNICEF and government
immunisation programmes to be enacted. It calls upon rebel
forces to reciprocate and observe the ceasefire.
"Press Release: Sudan
Declares Cease-Fire for Anti-Polio Immunisation Programme",
Ministry of External Relations, Khartoum, 18 October 2000
17 October 2000 Referring
to tests conducted in the wake of allegations that the Sudanese
government had used chemical weapons, a Spokesman for the
United Nations Secretary-General stated that this medical
team had: "gathered medical samples (blood and urine)
from 13 of the 35 people who had reported symptoms. The
samples were sent for analysis to the Centre for Disease
Control (CDC), an independent laboratory in Atlanta."
The United Nations further stated that: "The results.as
reported to the United Nations, indicated no evidence of
exposure to chemicals."
'Note for the Spokesman
of the Secretary-General on Sudan', Note delivered by the
United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr Philippe Borel,
to the Sudanese Foreign Ministry, 17 October 1999.
19 October 2000 The
Preparatory Forum for National Reconciliation issues a statement
recommending a comprehensive cease-fire prior to the National
Dialogue Conference to be arranged for the government and
the opposition National Democratic Alliance by Egypt and
Libya as part of their peace initiative. It also calls for
the implementation of previously negotiated peace agreements
reached with south Sudanese and Nuba mountain factions,
recommends that power in Sudan be "peacefully devolved"
under a democratic multiparty system, and that an office
of prime minister, responsible to president and parliament,
be created.
"Sudanese Pro-Government
Forum Calls for Ceasefire, Recommends Premiership",
News Article by Agence France Presse, 19 October 2000
19 October 2000 Sudanese
first Vice-President Ali Osman Taha affirms the government's
commitment to the recommendations and resolutions agreed
in the Preparatory Forum for National Accord.
"First Vice-President
Stresses Government's Commitment to Recommendations of the
Preparatory Forum for National Accord", News Article
by SUNA, 19 October 2001
19 October 2000 The
Sudanese Presidential Advisor on Peace Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim
Tahir, meets with the European Union Ambassador. He stresses
Sudan's willingness to reach peace, and the stubbornness
and apparent unwillingness of SPLA leader John Garang. He
also welcomes any EU contributions to helping the peace
process.
"Presidential Adviser
Renews Government Desire and Seriousness to Reach Peace
in Sudan", News Article by SUNA, 19 October 2000
31 October 2000 The
British government reiterated its findings when, referring
to allegations of Sudanese use of chemical weapons, they
once again stated that "there was no evidence to substantiate
the allegations that chemical weapons were used in Sudan.
House of Lords Official
Report, 31 October 2000, cols. WA81.
4 November 2000 Three
days of talks between an Eritrean delegation and the Sudanese
government end in Khartoum. Sudanese Information Minister
Dr Ghazi Saleheddin Atabani states that Eritrean proposals
will be "incorporated into other bids for peace and
reconciliation in Sudan".
"Eritrean Delegation
Winds Up Talks in Khartoum", News Article by Agence
France Presse, 4 November 2000
6 November 2001 The
Sudanese government announces that arrangements have been
made with the SPLA and the United Nations regarding relief
operations in southern Sudan.
"Sudan, UN, Rebels
Work Out Arrangements for Relief Supplies to South",
News Article by Agence France Presse, 6 November 2000
6 November 2000 Mohammed
Hakern, spokesman for the opposition Democratic Unionist
Party, states that the Khartoum government must put its
peace proposals in writing if the Eritrean mediation attempt
is to succeed.
"Sudan Opposition Demands
Peace Deal in Writing", News Article by Reuters, 6
November 2000
8 November 2000 It
is reported that opposition Umma Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi
is planning to return from exile to Sudan. A letter from
al-Mahdi to Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir containing
proposals for a "comprehensive political settlement
through dialogue, far from fighting.within the context of
a Sudanese solution and a national dialogue" has reportedly
been delivered.
"Sudan Opposition Leader
to Return Home This Month", News Article by Reuters,
8 November 2000
8 November 2000 The
opposition National Democratic Alliance claims to have captured
the northern Sudanese town of Kassala.
"Sudan Rebels Say Capture
Eastern Town of Kassala", News Article by Reuters,
8 November 2000
9 November 2000 Sudanese
Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail accuses Uganda
of procrastinating over the implementation of the agreement
reached in September to normalise relations between the
two countries.
"Sudan: Minister Accuses
Uganda of Delaying Reconciliation", News Article by
IRIN, 9 November 2000
14 November 2000 A
three day seminar under IGAD auspices takes part in Nairobi
to discuss the fair distribution of future oil revenues.
"Warring Sudanese Sides
to Discuss Sharing Nation's Wealth", News Article by
Agence France Presse, 6 November 2000
15 November 2000 Opposition
Umma Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi announces that he plans
to return from exile to Sudan. He states that: "We
think we are creating a dynamic that will make political
plurality in Sudan a reality.This is what we are hoping
other parties will do.We should advance to occupy the margin
of freedom that exists."
"Sudan Former Premier
to End Exile, Returns Home Nov, 23", News Article by
Associated Press, 15 November 2000
17 November 2000
Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir states that an agreement
is near with the Umma Party that pushes forward the process
of reconciliation. He reaffirms the government's commitment
to the pursuit of peace through dialogue.
"Sudan for Boosting
National Reconciliation Efforts", News Article by ArabicNews.com,
17 November 2000
17-19 November 2000 A
three-day ministerial meeting takes place in Nairobi between
the governments of Sudan and Uganda, under the auspices
of The Carter Centre, with the participation of the governments
of Canada, Egypt and Libya and UNICEF representatives. The
meeting concludes with a commitment to implement the Nairobi
Agreement of 8 December 1999 and sets up various diplomatic
mechanisms to oversee the process.
"News Release: Parties
to Work to Implement Nairobi Agreement", The Carter
Centre, 20 November 2000
21 November 2000 Organisation
of African Unity Secretary-General Salim Ahmed Salim states
that the OAU will co-operate with IGAD. He also states that:
"The OAU supports the IGAD member States' effort seeking
a peaceful settlement of the civil war in Sudan and welcomes
the joint effort of Egypt and Libya to reconcile the Sudanese."
"Salim Says OAU Supports
Regional Peace Efforts", News Article by PANA, 21 November
2000
21 November 2000 The
eighth IGAD summit starts in Khartoum. Egyptian Foreign
Minister Amr Moussa states that the Egyptian government
"seriously and persistently works for dialogue and
historic reconciliation between the Sudanese parties".
He adds that the Egyptian-Libyan peace initiative "cannot
achieve its goals overnight" and that it might take
some time to reach peace and reconciliation in Sudan.
"IGAD's Ministerial
Meetings Underway to prepare for Summit", News Article
by KUNA, 21 November 2000; "Participants Arrive for
Regional Summit", News Article by Agence France Presse,
22 November 2000
23 November 2000 Opposition
Umma Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi attacks the NDA as living
in "illusion", and states that SPLA leader John
Garang had no strategic thinking and had succeeded only
in creating an army but not a political movement.
"Al Saddiq Last Interview Before Leaving
Cairo", posted on Sudanese@list.msu.edu,
24 November 2000
