23 November 2000 Opposition
Umma Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi returns to Sudan, accompanied
by about 90 other Party officials. He states: "National
duty dictates upon all the political leaderships to return
home and continue dialogue for achieving a comprehensive
solution to the conflict in the country."
"Mahdi Returns to Sudan
from Self-Imposed Exile", News Article by Reuters,
23 November 2000; "Former Premier Returns As Hero",
News Article by PANA, 24 November 2000
23 November 2000
The Sudanese businessmen's federation enters into an
agreement with its Egyptian counterpart to form a joint
council to foster trade exchanges and private investment
between the two countries. The formation of a joint agro-industrial
company is also announced.
"Sudanese, Egyptian
Businesses Form Joint Council", News Article by PANA,
23 November 2000
23 November 2000 A
new IGAD summit starts to review a new plan to solve the
Sudanese civil war. Eritrean President Issias Afeworki expresses
his country's willingness to assist "in finding a solution
for the conflict in southern Sudan". A draft resolution,
proposed by Kenya, urging both parties in the civil war
to speed up efforts to resolve the conflict "in a peaceful
manner that guarantees the unity of the country", is
to be discussed.
"IGAD to Discuss New
Plans for Peace in Sudan: Official", News Article by
Agence France Presse, 15 November 2000; "IGAD Summit
Opens Thursday in Khartoum", News Article by PANA,
22 November 2000
26 November 2000 Egyptian
Foreign Minister Amr Moussa has discussions with Mohammed
Osman al-Mirghani, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party
and Chairman of the National Democratic Alliance regarding
the peace process. Al-Mirghani welcomes Egypt's efforts
to bring closer the viewpoints of the different opposition
factions and the work of the Egyptian-Libyan initiative
to achieve peace and reconciliation in Sudan.
"Egyptian Foreign Minister
Discusses Sudanese Accord with NDA Leader Al-Mirghani",
News Article by MENA, 27 November 2000
27 November 2000 Ibrahim
Radwan, a leading member of the opposition Democratic Unionist
Party, returns to Sudan. He calls upon other opposition
figures to return to Sudan and engage in a national dialogue.
"Sudan: Another Opposition
Leader Returns Home From Exile", News Article by Republic
of Sudan Radio (Omdurman), 27 November 2000 at 1300gmt
28 November 2000 The
Sudanese government reports that Eritrean troops and rebel
forces have gathered in large numbers on the Eritrean side
of the border with Sudan near the Sudanese border town of
Qulsa in the central part of Kassala state. A high military
alert is declared in these areas.
"Sudanese Troops on
Alert Over Eritrean-Rebel Build-Up: Paper", News Article
by Agence France Presse, 28 November 2000
30 November 2000 Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir states that he is ready to share
power with opposition Umma Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi.
He states that al-Mahdi's return to Sudan "practically
proved that the door is open to all opponents to come back
home as there is no need for them to stay abroad and to
carry arms".
"Sudanese President
Say's He'll Share Power With Opposition Leader", News
Article by Agence France Presse, 30 November 2000
1 December 2000 A
Sudanese Army spokesman warns against plans, including bomb
attacks, by the SPLA to destabilise the internal security
of Sudan.
"Sudan: Army Spokesman
Accuses Rebels of Plotting to Destabilise Country",
News Article by Sudan TV (Omdurman), 11 December 2000 at
1900gmt; "Sudan: Rebels, Communists Accused of Planning
Bomb Attacks in Three Cities", News Article by Akbar
al-Yawm (Khartoum), 10 December 2000
7 December 2000 European
Union representative Catherine Boivineau, director of African
affairs at the French foreign ministry, states that Sudan
has made progress on promoting political and press freedoms
since the EU and Sudan renewed dialogue a year ago. She
states:
"We feel that some
progress has been made on the issues which we have been
discussing with the Sudanese government.[The EU] welcomed
the new law on political association that encouraged some
opponents to return home, a matter which testifies that
there has been progress.The renewed dialogue with the Sudanese
authorities was useful and frank.After a year we felt that
the dialogue was very positive and that it was worthwhile
continuing for another year to deepen the discussion and
exchange views on those areas where we were not quite satisfied,
particularly the peace process, which we feel is very slow."
"EU Says Sudan Makes
Progress on Individual Liberties", News Article by
Agence France Presse, 7 December 2000
13 December 2000 British
Ambassador to Sudan, Richard Makepeace, states that Britain
is continuing its dialogue with the US administration with
a view to narrowing the difference between Khartoum and
Washington and to convincing it of the real and positive
changes that had taken place in Sudan. He also states that
SPLA leader John Garang will shortly visit London for discussions
about he peace process.
"Sudan: Britain Keen
to Play Role in Peace Initiative, British Ambassador Says",
News Article by Al-Ra'y al-Amm (Khartoum), 13 December
2000
14 December 2000 The
Sudanese Army states that it has recaptured parts of the
Nuba Mountains from rebels, freeing 9,000 civilians it claims
were being used as human shields by SPLA forces.
"Sudanese Army Says
It Recaptures Parts of Nuba Mountains from Rebels",
News Article by Agence France Presse, 14 December 2000
15 December 2000 The
NDA issues a press statement claiming to have carried out
a series of attacks behind government lines near the town
of Kassala.
"Press Statement",
National Democratic Alliance, Unified Military Command,
15 December 2000 on Sudan-L@listserv.cc.emory.edu
15 December 2000 Libyan
Minister for African Unity Ali Abdesselam Triki meets Ugandan
Foreign Minister Eriya Kategaua in Tripoli to discuss bilateral
relations and Libyan efforts to improve Ugandan-Sudanese
relations. It is announced that a second four-nation meeting
between Libya, Egypt, Sudan and Uganda, to follow up the
normalisation of relations frozen since the first meeting
in 1995, will take place
"Libyan, Ugandan Ministers
Discuss African Issues, Means to Boost Ties", Jana
News Agency, 15 December 2000; "Sudan, Uganda Agree
on Meeting to Normalise Relations", News Article by
PANA, 15 December 2000
16 December 2000 Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir meets a number of chairmen and
leaders of political parties from the alliance of national
parties and briefs them on the negotiations.
"Sudan: President Bashir
Discusses Political Development With Party Leaders",
News Article by Sudan TV (Omdurman), 16 December 2000
18 December 2000
Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir affirms the ties between
Sudan and Egypt, stressing their common strategic interests.
He also states that the natural resources of both countries
could lead to a great degree of potential unity and integration
between the two countries.
"Sudan: Ties With Egypt
No Longer Strained, Bashir Says", Sudan TV (Omdurman),
18 December 2000
18 December 2000 Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir sends a congratulatory message
to US President-elect George W. Bush. He declares Sudan's
"keen desire to co-operate with the new US administration
and work with it for the peace and stability of Sudan and
the Region". He further states: "We are looking
forward to a new era when the Khartoum relationship would
be based on close understanding and co-operation that would
promote the interests of Sudan, the US and the other countries
of the region."
"Bashir Seeks Good
Relations With the United States", News Article by
PANA, 18 December 2000
18 December 2000 The
New Sudan Council of Churches reports on the third of the
People-to-People Peace Process conferences that started
under its auspices with the Wunlit conference in March 1999.
The third conference, the Wulu People to People's Conference,
which took place 23-25 November, brought together the chiefs
of the Bahr al-Ghazal, upper Nile and the Nuba mountains
and the local administration in the area. The conference
reviewed the success of the "people to people"
peace process to date and discussed the means of implementing
and extending the previous agreements regarding abductees,
border and natural resource disputes.
Makur Kot Dhuor, "Traditional
Chiefs Call for Wider Tribal Conference", News Article
by African Church Information Service (Nairobi), 18 December
2000
18 December 2000 Brigadier
Bushra Al-Fadil, long-standing supporter of the opposition
NDA, returns to Khartoum after resigning from the opposition
group. He states that Sudan is at a turning-point and emphasises
the importance of negotiation with the government. He stresses
that the Sudan of today is different from that of the 1990s
and that the current government is committed to the honest
pursuit of peace and to increasing freedom.
"Opposition Figure
Bushra Al-Fadil Returns to the Homeland", News Article
by SUNA, 18 December 2000
19 December 2000
The Sudanese government accuses Uganda of sending arms
to the rebel SPLA and of carrying out US policy by helping
to oppose Sudan's candidacy for the African seat on the
UN Security Council. Sudanese Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa
Osman Ismail states that Uganda is allowing non-registered
NGOs to move weaponry and ammunition to the SPLA rebels,
and helping them recruit child soldiers from Sudanese refugee
camps in Uganda. He states: "Bilateral relations will
improve only if the Ugandan government positively responds
to this call [to cease assisting the SPLA]."
Ismail states he would still
take part in a meeting next January in Libya with his Libyan,
Egyptian and Ugandan counterparts to discuss the prospects
of normalising Sudanese-Ugandan ties under an initiative
sponsored by the US-based Carter Centre. Ismail further
expresses his hopes that the new US administration would
assume an "even handed" policy toward Sudan.
"Sudan Accuses Uganda
of Shipping Arms to Rebels", News Article by Agence
France Presse, 19 December 2000
20 December 2000 The
rebel National Democratic Alliance claims to have seized
the garrison town of Karkoun in east Sudan. The Khartoum
government claims that the attacks were successfully repulsed.
"Rebels Say Capture
Garrison Town in East Sudan", News Article by Reuters,
20 December 2000; "Sudan Denies Fall of Garrison Town
in the East", News Article by Reuters, 21 December
2000
22 December 2000 Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir states the Sudanese constitution
allows competition for power from anybody, and that he would
accept defeat with the same spirit as victory. He again
affirms that talks were continuing with the Umma Party on
a national programme and agreement on power-sharing.
"Sudan: President Bashir
Says He Will Accept Defeat", News Article by Republic
of Sudan Radio (Omdurman), 1700gmt, 22 December 2000
23 December 2000 The
Sudanese General Electoral Commission announces that vote
counting for the presidential and legislative elections
had started. It reports an average 63 percent voter turnout
in Khartoum State.
"Sudan Vote-Count Begins
Amid Reports of Low Turnout", News Article by Agence
France Presse, 23 December 2000
23 December 2000 The
Organisation of African Unity delegation monitoring the
Sudanese election commends the efforts made by the Election
commission in organising the polling and preparing an atmosphere
conducive to elections and in enabling all presidential
candidates to present their election manifestos through
the media.
"Sudan: OAU Election
Observers Praise Polling Exercise", News Article by
Sudan TV (Omdurman), 23 December 2000
27 December 2000
Umma Party leader, Sadiq al-Mahdi welcomes the election
of George W. Bush to the US Presidency and refers to the
grave faults of the outgoing Clinton administration. President
Clinton had supported radicalism and escalation of military
activity by rebel Sudanese forces, he declares, and calls
upon the new administration to reconsider such policies
and to support a comprehensive political settlement.
"Sudan: Opposition
Leader Urges New US Administration to Reconsider Policies",
News Article by SUNA, 27 December 2000
28 December 2000 Ethiopia
and Sudan agree to construct a joint railway line connecting
the tow countries as another step towards improving relations
between the two countries.
"Ethiopia, Sudan to
Build Joint Railway", News Article by Reuters, 28 December
2000
29 December 2000
Abdel-Moneim al-Zain Nahas, head of the General Election
Authority, declares that General Omer al-Bashir has been
re-elected President of Sudan, winning 86.5 percent of the
vote. He also states that there was a turnout during the
ten day polling period of over eight million out of 12 million
eligible voters and that the elections were "fair and
free and the candidates were given free access to the national
media and to the voters".
Opposition Presidential
candidate Samuel Hussein Mansour declares that "the
election was fair despite some irregularities by some immoral
persons". However, the opposition party, Hassan al-Turabi's
Popular National Congress argues that the elections were
"cooked and prearranged".
President Omer al-Bashir
renews pledges to end the civil war "through negotiation
and dialogue" and states: "Our doors will be wide
open to peace".
"Sudanese President
Declared Winner in Presidential Elections", News Article
by Associated Press, 29 December 2000 ; "Bashir Re-elected
President of Sudan", News Article by XINHUA, 29 December
2000; "Sudan's Bashir Re-elected to Second Term Amid
Opposition Protest". News Article by Agence France
Press, 29 December 2000
29 December 2000
The Organisation of African Unity election monitoring
team reports that the Sudanese elections were conducted
"in a conductive atmosphere and in a democratic manner.[despite]
boycotts by some major political parties". They declare:
"[The election] allowed
the Sudanese people, including those outside the country,
to freely exercise their democratic rights.Having witnessed
the various aspects of the electoral process, including
administrative arrangements, campaign and polling activities,
and having held discussions with all five presidential candidates
as well as other parties, including those which boycotted
the elections, the team wishes to commend the general elections
authority for the arrangements."
The OAU team also declared
that "it was encouraging.that the leaders from all
sides expressed their readiness and commitment to embark,
after the elections, on a dialogue. This will hopefully
bring about national reconciliation."
"OAU Monitoring Team
Says Sudanese Elections Encouraging", News Article
by PANA, 29 December 2000
29 December 2000
Sudan ratifies the constitutive act of the African Union
"Sudan, SADR, Ratify
African Union Act", News Article by PANA, 29 December
2000
30 December 2000 Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir declares that his victory "proved
to the world that [the Sudanese people] are for democracy,
peace and political security". He also promises that
his new government will be broad-based and include a role
for all parties, except that of Dr Hassan al-Turabi.
"Sudan's Ruling Party
Sweeps Elections Under Opposition Boycott", News Article
by Associated Press, 30 December 2000; "Aftermath of
Sudan's Presidential Elections", News Article by PANA,
30 December 2000
30 December 2000 Sudanese
Army spokesman General Mohammed Osman Yassin refutes claims
by the SPLA that it had seized control of an army garrison
in eastern Sudan following two days of battles.
"Sudanese Army in Control
of Theatre of Operations - Army Spokesman", News Article
by KUNA, 30 December 2000
30 December 2000 President
Mubarak of Egypt telephones Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir
to congratulate him on winning the Presidential elections.
"Egypt's President
Mubarak Congratulates President Bashir on Re-Election",
News Article by SUNA, 30 December 2000
31 December 2000 Algerian
President Abdelaziz Bouteflika arrives in Sudan for a three-day
official visit. The visit will include talks on bilateral
relations, Arab and African issues and, according to some
reports, an Algerian initiative to end the civil war.
"Algeria's Bouteflika
to Pay Rare Visit to Sudan", News Article by Reuters,
29 December 2000; "Bouteflika Arrives Khartoum",
News Article by PANA, 31 December 2000
31 December 2000 Sudanese
Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail clarifies Foreign
Ministry rules regarding foreign diplomatic meetings with
Sudanese opposition groups. He declares: "Sudan encourages
diplomatic missions to meet opposition parties from right
across the political spectrum. The circular sent out to
diplomatic missions called upon them not to meet organisations
that practise violence and terrorism."
"Sudan Says Envoys
Can Meet Non-Violent Opposition", News Article by Reuters,
31 December 2000
31 December 2000 Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir pledges to use his second term
to advance peace in Sudan. He states: "Sudan is our
homeland. It is the homeland for all of us. We are going
to make the end of the war and the realisation of peace
our first and utmost priority."
President Bashir also appeals
to the incoming US administration of President-elect George
W. Bush "to take a neutral and positive position toward
the realisation of peace in Sudan".
"Sudan's President
Urges United States to Take a 'Neutral and Positive' Stand
Toward Peace", News Article by Associated Press, 31
December 2000
1 January 2001 At
the end of his visit to Sudan Algerian President
Abdelaziz Bouteflika expresses his optimism as to the advent
of a promising era of friendship and co-operation between
the two countries. An Algerian-Sudanese Commission is established
to put into practice positive means of co-operation in various
specific areas. Bouteflika also expresses Algeria's willingness
to assist the peace process in Sudan. He states that he
would "join hands with President al-Bashir for solving
all issues that need contribution and coordination with
efforts exerted by other parties for achieving national
reconciliation".
Sudanese President Omer
al-Bashir further makes a further call for peace in southern
Sudan. In relation to President Bouteflika's offer to mediate
in the Sudanese civil war, President Bashir observes that
a man "who managed to end the war between Ethiopia
and Eritrea, can settle other issues".
Algerian Foreign Minister
Abdelaziz Balkhadim states that although there is no specific
Algerian initiative "there are efforts by President
Bouteflika to bring viewpoints closer, making use of his
relations with the government and the opposition".
"Sudan/Algeria: The
Restoration of Stability in Sudan is One of Algeria's Concerns,
According to the Sudanese President", News Article
by Algerie Presse Service, 31 December 2000; "Algeria/Sudan:
A Promising Era for the Relations Between Algeria and Sudan,
Bouteflika Underlined in Khartoum", News Article by
Algerie Presse Service, 1 January 2001; "Algeria Offers
to Help End Sudan's Civil War", News Article by Agence
France Presse, 1 January 2001
1 January 2001 Egyptian
Foreign Minister Amr Moussa states that the government hopes
for an end to the Sudanese civil war during the new presidential
term of Omer al-Bashir. He welcomes the re-election of Bashir
and states Egypt hopes for the best of relations with Sudan
and the continuation of the Egyptian-Libyan initiative for
peace.
"We Hope For End of
Sudan Civil War: Moussa", News Article by KUNA, 1 January
2001
2 January 2001 Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir states at a press conference that
he is looking forward to a positive chapter in relations
with the new American administration of George W. Bush,
and that the errors of the past will be overcome.
"Sudan Looks Forward
For a New Positive Chapter in Relations With United States:
Bashir", News Article by SUNA, 2 January, 2001
2 January 2001 As
part of the state visit to Sudan by Algerian President Abdelaziz
Bouteflika a joint meeting between him and Sudanese President
Omer al-Bashir takes place in Khartoum. Peace initiatives
and the security and stability of the Horn of Africa region
are discussed. President Bouteflika states that he is "filled
with optimism as to the advent of a promising era of co-ordination
and co-operation between Sudan and Algeria". Bouteflika
also states that he is against any north-south division
of Sudan and will defend "defend the unity of Sudan".
"Sudanese, Algerian
Delegations Discuss Bilateral Ties, To Issue Communique",
News Article by Sudan TV (Omdurman), 2 January 2001; "Algeria/Sudan:
Bouteflika Optimistic About the Future of the Relations
Between the Two Countries", News Article by Algerie
Presse Service, 2 January 2000; "Sudan Welcomes Algerian
Offer to Help Resolve Civil War", News Article by Agence
France Presse, 1 January 2001
3 January 2001 Sudanese
Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail states that the Sudanese
air force is avoiding targeting civilians but will not allow
rebels to hide behind "human shields".
"Sudan Vows Not to
Be Deterred by 'Human Shields' in War on Rebels", News
Article by Agence France Press, 3 January 2001
3 January 2001 Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir extends the state of emergency
for a further year.
"Sudan Extends State
of Emergency for Another Year", News Article by Agence
France Presse, 3 January 2001
3 January 2001 A
Sudanese diplomatic source states that foreign ministers
of the IGAD peace negotiations will hold an important meeting
next Tuesday in Khartoum to conduct an overall evaluation
of the activities of the organisation, in the light of the
recommendations made during the last IGAD conference in
November 2000.
"IGAD Conference Due
in Khartoum Next Tuesday", News Article by KUNA, 3
January 2000
4 January 2001 Sudanese
officials visit Libyan President Moamer Kadhafi, to discuss
general African issues. A letter from Sudanese President
al-Bashir expresses his thanks for Libya's role in achieving
reconciliation between Sudan and both Eritrea and Uganda,
and in the process of national reconciliation within Sudan
itself.
"Libya: Al-Quadhafi
Receives Sudanese Ministers, Letter From Al-Bashir",
News Article by Great SPLAJ Radio (Tripoli), 4 January 2001
4 January 2001 Sadiq
al-Mahdi, head of the opposition Umma Party, alleges that
US President Bill Clinton is planning to move 6,000 southern
rebels to wage war in the north before he leaves office
on 20 January. He claims that the US government was pressuring
neighbouring Ethiopia and Eritrea to help in moving rebel
forces to Sudan's north-eastern border. He states:
"The Clinton administration's
strategy toward Sudan is based on three aims: separation
of religion from politics in the state, seizing back control
of the oil fields in Sudan from the Asian countries who
are investing in oil production in Sudan and distancing
Sudan from the Arab world and north Africa."
"Sudan-Unrest-USA/US
Tries to Move Rebels to North Sudan, Opposition Leader Charges",
News Article by Agence France Presse, 4 January 2001
5-13 January 2001 An
American fact-finding mission to Sudan reported that Sadiq
al-Mahdi: "claimed that the United States has been
an obstacle to peace in Sudan and also to unity among the
opposition. The United States' policy has been a problem.
He said that Sudan is like a pregnant woman that is about
to deliver and needs a midwife to help the delivery. They
all believe that the United States could act as a midwife.
They all accept this. But, the United States, instead of
helping deliver the baby, killed it.Part of the problem,
he claims, has been that the United States by criticizing
Islamic government in Khartoum and portraying this war as
a religious war, has turned a political war into a religious
war and other Christian communities in the Western world
have joined this crusade."
Melvin P. Foote, Jongomoi
Okidi, Jacques P. Walker, Report on a Fact-Finding Mission
to the Republic of the Sudan and Recommendations, January
5-13 2001. Melvin Foote is the executive director of Constituency
for Africa, Washington-DC.
5 January 2001 Islamist
leader Dr Hassan al-Turabi attacks President Bashir's extension
of the state of emergency. He argues that it is "expected
to cripple all political forces which wish to conduct their
activities from within [Sudan]".
"Sudan's Turabi Slams
Extension of Emergency Law", News Article by Reuters,
5 January, 2001
7 January 2001 Egyptian
Foreign Minister Amr Moussa announces that he is about to
visit Sudan again for two days in order to revitalise the
Egyptian-Libyan peace initiative
"Egypt's Moussa to
Push Peace Plan in Sudan", News Article by Reuters,
7 January 2001
8 January 2001 Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir states that during his new term
of office he will see through "the regime's programme
covering the establishment of peace, freeing territories,
reconciliation, development and improvement of society on
the principles of religion and sharia". He states:
"The door is open to every patriot to join us in this
process, (but) there is no agreement unless it is based
on the principles of salvation. We call on all for reconciliation
so we can build a new Sudan."
"Sudan's President
Vows to Liberate Land, Impose Islamic Law", News Article
by Agence France Press, 8 January 2001
8 January 2001 The
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa visits Sudan for talks
on bilateral relations and the peace process. He states
that the time is right for a peace conference between the
government and the opposition.
"Foreign Minister Begins
Arab Tour Starting With Sudan", News Article by MENA,
8 January 2001; "Time is Right for Sudanese Reconciliation,
Egypt Says", News Article by Agence France Presse,
9 January 2001
10 January 2001 President
Bashir defends his extension of the state of emergency,
stating that it did not impede freedom of speech or political
organisation. He declares: "The reality is that we
have not violated any of the constitution's articles that
deal with freedoms and we haven't obstructed any
