10 January 2001 It is reported that government forces have inflicted heavy losses on rebels in southern Sudan, sparking factional fighting amongst the rebels themselves.

"Sudanese Troops Overrun Rebels, Sparking Factional Fighting: Paper", News Article by Agence France Presse, 10 January 2001

11 January 2001 The British Ambassador in Sudan visits Sudanese Minister of Manpower Alison Manani Magaya to review bilateral relations. He welcomes government measures to solve the south Sudan problem and bring about peace and promises Britain's continued support for the peace process.

"Britain to Support Sudan in Peace Initiative", News Article by SUNA, 11 January 2001

13 January 2001 Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa states that the IGAD peace process is not sufficient to bring about an end to war in Sudan, but must be coordinated with the joint Egyptian-Libyan initiative. He states: "Everyone should know that the Sudanese problem will not be solved via the IGAD initiative alone, or IGAD's partners in European and world capitals.The joint Egyptian-Libyan initiative for a comprehensive resolution is still correct.The Egyptian role in the issue is important and there can be no solution to [the conflict] without the Egyptian role."

"Egypt's Moussa Says No Sudan Peace Without Egypt", News Article by Reuters, 13 January 2001

15 January 2001 Professor Ibrahim Ahmed Omer, Secretary-General of the ruling Sudanese party, the National Congress, discusses the progress of bilateral relations with the British ambassador in Sudan. He also affirms that the realisation of peace and stability in Sudan would be the most important priority of the government.

"Sudan: Ruling Party Official Discusses Bilateral Ties With British Ambassador", News Article by Sudan TV (Omdurman), 15 January 2001

15 January 2001 The Sudanese government claims to have killed many rebels in repulsing attacks around Aweil in the Bahr al-Ghazal region of south Sudan.

"Sudan Forces Kill 630 Rebels in New Attacks - Paper", News Article by Reuters, 15 January 2001

17 January 2001 Mohammed Haroun Kafi, a government minister and a former SPLA commander in the Nuba mountains, states that over 30,000 civilians have fled from rebel-held areas in the Nuba mountains to seek sanctuary in government-held territory. He claims that: "These people have been under check by the rebel movement, not allowing them to move outside and at the same time [the rebels] could not provide them with any services." The SPLA denies the claims.

"Thousands Said to Flee Rebel-Held Areas in Sudan's Nuba Mountains", News Article by Associated Press, 17 January 2001; "Sudan: Over 30,000 Reportedly Defect From Rebel Movement in Nuba Mountains", News Article by Sudan TV (Omdurman), 15 January 2001

17 January 2001 Ambassador Awad al-Kerim Fadlallah, chairman of the Sudanese delegation in the Sudanese-European dialogue, calls on European Union governments - especially in those countries being visited by SPLA leader John Garang in January - to exercise political and diplomatic pressure on him to bring him to the negotiating table.

"Sudan Wants EU to Pressurise Rebel Leader Garang into Resuming Talks", News Article by SUNA, 17 January 2001

19 January 2001 At their annual meeting, the Roman Catholic Comboni missionaries in southern Sudan publicly condemned the civil war as "immoral and a tragic farce". They stated that "the number of victims is escalating, especially among women and children. Spiritual, human and cultural values are getting lost. Corruption, tribalism and fratricidal hatred are fostered. Degradation, underdevelopment and anarchy increase". The Comboni missionaries also pointedly stated that: "[t]he word 'liberation' is abused" and that the civil war was "not any longer a struggle for freedom of the Sudanese people and for the defence of human rights".

"Declaration of the Comboni Missionaries Working in Southern Sudan", The Comboni Missionaries, Nairobi, 19 January 2001

20 January 2001 In a meeting in Tripoli between Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa, Libyan African Unity Minister Ali Triki and Sudanese Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail, the ministers state that "the Egyptian-Libyan joint initiative is the most correct and suitable way to achieve a national consensus in Sudan".

"Egypt, Libya Press for Peace in the Sudan", News Article by Reuters, 20 January 2001

24 January 2001 Extensive meetings take place in both Khartoum and Asmara, Eritrea, as part of the Egyptian-Libyan peace initiative. SPLA leader John Garang arrives in Asmara, whilst NDA leader Mohammed Osman al-Mirghani holds talks with the IGAD ambassadors (Italy, Germany, France and Denmark) accredited to Eritrea. Al-Mirghani also meets with the US ambassador in Asmara to discuss ways of co-ordinating the IGAD and Egyptian-Libyan peace initiatives.

"Efforts Under Way in Eritrea to Boost Sudanese Peace Process", News Article by Al-Ra'y al-Amm (Khartoum), 24 January 2001

25 January 2001 During a visit to southern Sudan, President Omer al-Bashir states that: "Peace is the most important item in my second term of office and my first visit [since re-election] outside Khartoum is Juba to reaffirm the importance of peace."

"Sudan's Bashir Visits Town in War-Torn South", News Article by Reuters, 25 January 2001

27 January 2001 SPLM spokesman Commander Yassir Arman issues an official press release claiming that the SPLA have attacked three oil wells in the Western Upper Nile areas. The SPLA renews its warning "to oil companies operating in the production areas that these areas are legitimate military targets". The government states that no oil wells were destroyed and that only a minor "hit and run" raid had occurred in an outlying area well outside the oil production area.

The SPLA issues a further press release repeating its claims to have destroyed oil wells and to have routed government forces. It further states that it has "ordered its forces.to continue the current military operations in the area until all oil wells are brought to a halt". It further threatens both the "installations or personnel" of the oil companies as "legitimate military targets for our gallant forces until the exploitation of oil is stopped".

"Press Release: SPLA Forces Destroy Three Oil Wells", Yassir Arman, SPLM Spokesman, 27 January 2001; "Sudan Denies Rebels Destroy Oil Well", News Article by Reuters, 28 January 2001; "Press Release: SPLA Attacks Oil Fields", Dr Samson L. Kwaje, SPLA Spokesman, Nairobi

27 January 2001 Sudanese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bishop Gabriel Roric Jur, in a Radio France International interview, states that there will be a referendum over the status of the south. Whatever its outcome, he argues, a referendum would improve relations between north and south.

Radio France International, 27 January 2001, reported in Sudan Monthly Report, Sudanese Catholic Information Office, Nairobi, January 2001

28 January 2001 Sudanese Minister of Culture and Information Dr Ghazi Saleheddin Atabani states that dialogue with all the political forces in Sudan will continue and that the government is committed to the Libyan-Egyptian initiative.

"Sudan: Government Keen to Continue Talks With Opponents, Minister Says", News Article by Sudan TV (Omdurman), 28 January 2001

30 January 2001 The National Democratic Alliance claims that its forces have captured and destroyed the government garrison of Malawia in the east of Sudan. The Sudanese government denies the claims, asserting that its forces had repelled a rebel attack on the road near the Malawia garrison and on a small police station south of Kassala.

"Sudan's Armed Opposition Capture Government Garrison: Rebels", News Article by Agence France Presse, 30 January 2001; "Sudan Police Foil Rebel Attack on Main Highway", News Article by Reuters, 30 January 2001; "Sudanese Rebels Kill Three Policeman in Attack on Police Station", News Article by Associated Press, 30 January 2001

31 January 2001 A third English-language newspaper, The Nile Courier, is set up in Khartoum. It states that it is encouraged "by the present tendency towards democratisation, liberalisation and national reconciliation.The Nile courier is an attempt to strengthen this tendency. As such, its main interest is to promote democracy, human rights, national unity and political freedom".

"Sudan Gets Third English Language Newspaper", News Article by PANA, 31 January 2001

3 February 2001 Opposition Umma Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi meets Mohammed Osman al-Mirghani, Democratic Unionist Party leader and head of the National Democratic Alliance, in Tripoli to discuss the Egyptian-Libyan peace initiative. Al-Mahdi also discussions with Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi.

"Sudanese Opposition Leaders to Meet in Sudan", News Article by Agence France Presse, 3 February 2001; "Sudanese Opposition Leader Al-Mahdi Briefs Al-Qadhafi on Situation in Country", News Article by Great SPLAJ Radio (Tripoli), 4 February 2001

4 February 2001 Dr Ghazi Saleheddin Atabani, Sudanese Culture and Information Minister, states that successful contacts had been made with the Democratic Unionist Party, the Muslim Brotherhood and the Alliance of National Parties regarding national reconciliation and power sharing. Discussions with the Umma Party were still taking place.

"Dr Salah-Eddin Describes National Congress Contacts With Other Political Parties as Successful", News Article by SUNA, 4 February 2001

4 February 2001 An Ethiopian Army representative visits Sudan to discuss cooperation between the Ethiopian and Sudanese armies.

"Ethiopian Army Chief Arrives in Khartoum to Discuss Cooperation", News Article by Sudan TV (Omdurman), 4 February 2001

5 February 2001 The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates meets with Sudanese Finance Minister Al-Shaykh Besh to discuss the Sudanese peace process. The UAE Ambassador expresses support for the unity of Sudan and also promises development help for southern Sudan.

"UAE Ready to Support Development Projects in South, Ambassador Says", News Article by Sudan TV (Omdurman), 4 February 2001

6 February 2001 Sudan's first new opposition paper in a decade, Rai al-Shaab ("People's Opinion"), allied to Dr Hassan al-Turabi's Popular National Congress, is established

"Sudan's First Opposition Newspaper in over a Decade Appears", News Article by Agence France Presse, 6 February 2001

6 February 2001 Seven police officers are killed by a rebel attack on a police station in the eastern town of Issa al-Haj.

"Rebels Kill Seven Policemen in Attack on Police Station", News Article by Associated Press, 6 February 2001

7 February 2001 The former southern Sudanese rebel group, the Equatoria Defence Forces, reaffirms its support for national reconciliation and calls for the implementation of the Khartoum and Fashoda peace agreements.

"Sudan: Southern Group Calls for Implementation of Peace Accords", News Article by Republic of Sudan Radio (Omdurman), 7 February 2001

10 February 2001 The National Democratic Alliance claims to have seized and destroyed a government garrison and strategic bridge at Temenya, on 5 February. In an official press release the NDA Unified Military Command "assure[s] the Sudanese people that these surprise attacks will not only be limited to Eastern Sudan, but will continue all over the theatre of war in the country".

"Press Release: NDA Commando Unit Captures GOS Garrison and Destroys Strategic Bridge", by Dr Samson L. Kwaje, SPLA Spokesman, Nairobi, 10 February 2001

11 February 2001 Sudan hosts a 15-state summit of the Sahel and Sahara Community, attended by 12 Heads-of- State. The Summit is scheduled to discuss trade, health and drought cooperation, as well as security and peace issues and moves toward an African union.

"Nigerian President to Attend Regional Summit in Sudan", News Article by SUNA, 10 February 2001; "Eritrean Foreign Minister in Sudan for Sahel-Saharan Meeting", News Article by SUNA, 11 February, 2001; "Sudan Hopes Africa Summit Will Help End Isolation", News Article by Reuters, 11 February, 2001

11 February 2001 Libyan African affairs Minister Ali Triki describes recent meetings in Tripoli between the leaders of Libya, the opposition National Democratic Alliance and the Umma Party as positive and that agreement had been reached to continue dialogue in the framework of the Libyan-Egyptian peace negotiations.

"Libyan Official Describes Meeting of Two Sudanese Opposition Groups as Positive", News Article by SUNA, 12 February 2001

12 February 2001 At the Sahel and Sahara Community summit Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi states that he felt that the Sudanese were determined about peace and reconciliation. He states: "Opposition leaders Sadiq El Mahdi and Mohammed Osman el Meghani have conveyed to me their desire for reconciliation with the government and I have appreciated their thoughts in this respect.We are hopeful of a similar response from the SPLA so that we can unify the people of Sudan."

"Leaders Arrive For Sahel-Sahara Summit", News Article by PANA, 12 February 2001

12 February 2001 At his swearing-in ceremony before 12 African Heads-of-State, Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir states that national reconciliation should be based on "mutual recognition between the government and the opposition.[that] citizenship is the basis of rights and obligations of the Sudanese.[and that] expression of diversity must be possible". He re-affirms that government and opposition "must reach a peaceful solution, as part of regional mediation". He also promises "multiparty elections".

In a further speech to the Sudanese parliament Bashir calls for John Garang, leader of the rebel SPLA, to embrace efforts toward peace through national reconciliation.

"Sudan's President Starts New Term Calling For Reconciliation", News Article by Agence France Press, 12 February 2001; "Bashir Calls for National Reconciliation", News Article by PANA, 12 February 2001

15 February 2001 Umma Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi declares the government of President Bashir illegitimate, but states that dealing with the government is a fait accompli until fair elections are held. However, he also states that there was a "common language" with the authorities and that the political atmosphere is "conducive to a political get-together".

"We have reached common positions with its representatives, which include the establishment of principles for a comprehensive political solution in order to achieve a conference of all factions in Sudan.We are closer now than ever before to agreement on a comprehensive political solution that has everyone's approval."

Al-Mahdi also states that other opposition groups, the NDA and the SPLA, have recently adopted a more realistic approach: "We have noticed the NDA's realistic positions in terms of clear support for a comprehensive political solution and a willingness to be part of it, which has prompted us to enter into a dialogue with its leadership, having previously been robust with it in reaction to the unrealistic nature of its former positions."

"Sudan: Ummah Party Leader Says Bashir Government 'Illegitimate'", Al-Zaman (London), 15 February 2001; "Sudan's Opposition Umma Party Says There is a 'Common Language' With Bashir", News Article by Agence France Presse, 16 February 2001

15 February 2001 Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir meets with Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi and Umma Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi to discuss possible Umma Party participation in the new government. Al-Mahdi states that the meeting is "a good step forward".

"Bashir Meets Al-Mahdi With Attendance of Ghaddafi", News Article by KUNA, 16 February 2001

15 February 2001 A new political party, the Modern Sudan Party is officially registered in Sudan. Its Chairman, Al-Amir Ali Umar Al-Tayyib states that the party will work to establish a cohesive national unity, to achieve national reconciliation, and to prevent the "internationalisation" of Sudan's problems.

"Sudan: Opposition Party Officially Registered", News Article by SUNA, 15 February, 2001

16 February 2001 Sudanese Minister of Energy and Mining Dr Awad Ahmad al-Jaz welcomes the return of Kuwaiti investment to Sudan, especially in the fields of oil, mining and irrigation.

"Sudanese Minister Hails Return of Kuwaiti Investments to His Country". News Article by KUNA, 16 February 2001

17 February 2001 Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir leaves for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the annual Tigray region revolutionary day celebrations. Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail states that Sudan's participation in the Ethiopian celebrations shows Sudan's keenness to promote ties with its neighbours. Dr Ismail also states that President Bashir will be holding talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on bilateral relations and the formation of a joint ministerial council, on the proposals for an African Union, and the problem of Somalia.

"President Bashir in Ethiopia for Revolutionary Celebrations in Tigray", News Article by Sudan TV (Omdurman), 17 February 2001

17 February 2001 In an interview with The Washington Times Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir states that the Sudanese government has implemented a federal system of government and responded to the call for a fair distribution of power, wealth and development in Sudan. He argues that the steps taken by the government and its stance in peace negotiations demonstrated its seriousness in achieving peace. He further states that forgiveness and religious tolerance were observed in Sudan, calls for the accommodation of all shades of opinion in order to build a strong and united Sudan and argues that a "foreign agenda" was the major cause of ongoing crises in Sudan.

"President Says Government Keen to Realise Peace in South", News Article by Sudan TV (Omdurman), 17 February 2001

17 February 2001 The Eritrean Liberation Front-Revolutionary Council Radio states that the Eritrean government is allowing the rebel SPLA to deploy its forces in the western lowlands of Eritrea in order to hinder the ongoing cordial relations between Ethiopia and also to hinder the plan of constructing roads and pipelines from Sudan to Ethiopia. It states that 5,000 SPLA troops are currently in the western lowlands and that a further 6,000 are expected to join them soon.

"Eritrea Allows Sudanese Rebel Movement to Operate From Its Territory", News Article by Eletawi Addis, Addis Ababa, 17 February 2001

18 February 2001 In a formal letter from the Sudanese opposition Umma Party to Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir the party turns down an offer of ministerial posts in the new government. The letter states that: "Our participation in the government can only come through a free and fair presidential, parliamentary and municipal election." The letter also declares that the Umma Party prefers the formation of a national government in which all political organisations are represented. "Such a government", it declares, "can only be reached through an all-embracing national reconciliation that restores peace to the country".

Umma Party Chairman Omar Nour al-Diem states that the party will take part in government only after free parliamentary elections and a national accord to end the civil war. He also states that no formal offer of places in the new cabinet had been made by the government, although Ibrahim Ahmed Omer, Secretary-General of the National Congress party, had the previous week stated that the government was waiting for the Umma's reply to an offer to join the cabinet. However, he also announces that the Party will continue its dialogue with the government on issues of democratic change and peace. He states:

"We will continue to talk to them on the issues of democratic change, the lifting of freedom-restricting laws and a lasting peace in the country.We have stressed to them the need to reject all sorts of violence and urged them to form a joint mechanism for consultation on constitutional matters, the issues of liberties and a just peace."

"Umma Party Turns Down Offer to Join Government", News Article by PANA, 18 February 2001;"Sudan's Umma Party Sets Terms for Joining Cabinet", News Article by Reuters, 19 February 2001

18 February 2001 Sudanese Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail declares his hope that better ties with Sudan's neighbours and increased aid to the south will deprive rebel forces of cross-border bases and hasten the end of the civil war. He states: "The more relations with neighbouring countries improve, the more this positively reflects on their relationship to the southern issue.We have an aid programme for the south, and it includes health, education, providing homes and food, and this will encourage the rebels in the jungle to come to the cities where there are services.We are also strengthening the ability of the southerners to rule themselves."

Ismail also emphasises the high-level appointment of southerners to the new cabinet, namely Moses Machar to one of the two Vice Presidencies (a position traditionally reserved for southerners) and Gatlouk Deng as Chairman of the Southern Coordination Council. He expresses his optimism about the chances of peace with the SPLA, but said that talk of a possible meeting between SPLA leader John Garang and President Bashir is premature. "I don't deny there are efforts at the moment", he states, "but it's still too early to talk about meetings".

"Sudan Sees Aid, Neighbourly Ties, Ending Rebellion", News Article by Reuters, 18 February 2001

20 February 2001 Dr Ghazi Saleheddin Atabani, Sudanese Minister of Culture and Information, states that although it would have been better if the opposition Umma Party had joined in the government, dialogue will continue via active committees working to bring the two sides together. He adds that the committees have agreed on a number of principles which will be announced in the future.

"Information Minister Welcomes 'Positive Changes' in Political Atmosphere. News Article by Republic of Sudan Radio (Omdurman), 20 February 2001; "Umma Party's Refusal to Join Government Sparks Reactions", News Article by PANA, 20 February 2001

20 February 2001 The SPLA signs a "memorandum of understanding" with Hassan al-Turabi's Popular National Congress. The agreement states that the two sides will try to coordinate peaceful strikes and protests to force President Bashir to "hand over power for a national consensus government". It also calls for a "historic settlement and comprehensive peaceful solution to the problems.to end the civil war through a just agreement, real democracy, and the voluntary unification of Sudan".

However, the SPLA later states that its commitment to "peaceful" action did not mean that it had stopped armed action.

"Sudanese Rebels, Islamist Party Agree to 'Peacefully' Resist Government", News Article by Agence France Press, 20 February 2001

20 February 2001 Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir meets with Umma Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi to discuss keeping open the channels of dialogue between the government and the opposition party.

"President Bashir, Opposition Leader Al-Mahdi Meet", News Article by SUNA, 21 February 2001

21 February 2001 Professor Ibrahim Ahmed Omer, Secretary-General of the ruling National Congress party, condemns the memorandum of understanding between Dr Hassan al-Turabi and John Garang of the SPLA. Dr al-Turabi and several of his supporters are arrested. Culture and Information Minister Dr Ghazi Salehuddin Atabani states that the memorandum is "conspiracy, subversion and a threat of violence.Those who are against the constitution or against peace will be dealt with in the same way the SPLA is dealt with."

"Khartoum Condemns Turabi-Garang Alliance", PANA, 21 February 2001; "Opposition Leaders Arrested in Sudan", News Article by Reuters, 21 February 2001; "Security Tightened After Arrest of Sudan's Dissident Islamist Leader", News Article by Agence France Presse, 22 February 2001

22 February 2001 The Sudanese Ministry of Transport and Communications announces that a detailed study of the construction of an Ethiopian-Sudan railway line is underway, which it states will help further strengthen and intensify bilateral ties between the two countries. Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin also echoes his call for strengthened cooperation and partnership.

"Detailed Study for Ethio-Sudan Railway Construction in Pipeline", News Article by Ethiopian News Agency, 22 February 2001; "Seyoum Calls for Strengthened, Intensified Ethio-Sudan Partnerships", News Article by Ethiopian News Agency, 23 February 2001

22 February 2001 Representatives of all 15 of the registered political parties of Sudan meet to discuss the agreement between Dr Turabi's Popular National Congress (PNC) party and the SPLA, and issue a statement "totally reject[ing] the said agreement and any other future agreements that would follow the same path of violence, considering that the movement of Garang was still continuing the war and the use of violence against the Sudanese society". They further draw the attention of the PNC to the fact that as a registered political party it is bound by law to "abandon violence and to exercise rights through the democratic and peaceful means".

"Political Parties Meet to Discuss Turabi Party, Rebel Agreement", News Article by SUNA, 22 February 2001

24 February 2001 President Omer al-Bashir announces his new cabinet. It includes ministers drawn from the Democratic Unionist Party and the Muslim Brotherhood, as well as the National Congress Party.

"Bashir Reshuffles Cabinet", News Article by PANA, 24 February 2001

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