24 February 2001 The
rebel National Democratic Alliance dismisses the Sudanese
government's cabinet reshuffle as "a mere limited change
of faces and an exchange of posts.[that] will not help to
solve the Sudanese crisis".
"Sudanese Opposition
Says Cabinet Reshuffle Will Not Help Bring Peace",
News Article by Agence France Presse, 24 February 2001
24 February 2001 Umma
Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi travels to Egypt to hold talks
with rebel NDA leader Mohammed Osman al-Mirghani as part
of the Egyptian-Libyan peace initiative.
"Mahdi to go to Egypt
to Meet With Sudanese Opposition Leader Mirghani",
News Article by Agence France Presse, 24 February 2001
24 February 2001 A
Libyan-Egyptian-Sudanese meeting is held in Tripoli to discuss
the implementation of the clauses of the Egyptian-Libyan
peace initiative.
"Libyan, Egyptian,
Sudanese Officials Meet to Discuss Concord Initiative",
News Article by Great SPLAJ Radio (Tripoli), 24 February
2001
24 February 2001 Muhammad
Sirr al-Khatim al-Mirghani, one of the leaders of the opposition
Democratic Unionist Party, returns from exile to Khartoum.
He meets with the Secretary-General of the ruling National
Congress Party to discuss dialogue between the DUP and the
Sudanese government.
"Ruling Party Official
Receives Returning Opposition Party Member", News Article
by Sudan TV, 24 February 2001
25 February 2001 The
opposition Umma Party declares that it is currently studying
the mechanism for cooperation and coordination with the
government to arrive at a national programme for a comprehensive
political solution.
"Opposition Umma Party
Studying Mechanism of Cooperation With Government",
News Article by SUNA, 25 February 2001
26 February 2001 Dr
Hassan al-Turabi's Popular National Congress reiterates
its commitment to the memorandum of understanding with the
SPLA, but reaffirms that "our joint programmes with
the SPLA and any other programmes the party might agree
upon with any political organisation will be implemented
away from any sort of fighting because we are committed
to a peaceful solution to the conflict in the country.the
memo.called for popular resistance.by peaceful means.[that]
can include dialogue, the media and demonstrations in conformity
with the constitution and the political parties' law".
"Turabi's Party Stands
by Its Accord With SPLA", News Article by PANA, 26
February 2001
26 February 2001 Dr
Hassan Abdin, Sudanese Ambassador to Britain, states that
Britain is qualified to effect positive changes in the progress
of the Sudanese peace process, and to put pressure on the
SPLA to realise peace. He adds that it has invited SPLA
leader John Garang to Britain for discussions.
"Britain Can Pressurise
Rebels to Realise Cease-Fire, Sudanese Diplomat Says",
News Article by SUNA, 26 February 2001
26 February 2001 Sudanese
Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail, at an Organisation
for African Unity meeting in Tripoli, hails the role of
the Egyptian-Libyan peace initiative and reaffirms the Sudanese
government's commitment to a policy of openness and reconciliation
"despite attempts by certain parties to make the conflict
last because it serves their personal interest".
"Sudanese Minister
Hails Libya, Egyptian Mediation", News Article by PANA,
27 February 2001
26 February 2001 Umma
Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi meets Egyptian diplomats in
Cairo to discuss the peace process. He restates his view
that further democratic reforms are necessary in Sudan,
but describes the situation there as "promising",
with a degree of political and press freedom.
"Sudanese Opposition
Leader Visits Egypt; Calls for Democratic Reforms",
News Article by MENA, 26 February 2001
26 February 2001 Mohammed
Osman al-Mirghani, leader of the opposition National Democratic
Alliance, states that it was agreed with the Egyptian Foreign
Minister that the Egyptian-Libyan peace initiative would
call for a comprehensive national dialogue forum early in
March.
"Sudanese Opposition
Leader on National Dialogue to be Held in March", News
Article by MENA, 27 February 2001
27 February 2001 Ethiopian
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi meets with an official Sudanese
trade delegation to discuss Ethiopian investment in Sudan
and the development of bilateral relations.
"Delegation Invites
Ethiopians to Invest in Sudan", News Article by Daily
Monitor (Addis Ababa), 27 February 2001; "Melese
Confers With Sudanese Business Delegation", News Article
by Ethiopian News Agency, 27 February 2001
2 April 2001 Sudanese
Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail reiterates Sudan's
desire to establish good and solid relations with the USA.
"Sudan Renews Desire
for Good Ties With US", News Article by KUNA, 2 April
2001
3 March 2001 A
joint appeal for peace, entitled the "Sudan Call",
is issued by Umma Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi and Mohammed
Osman al-Mirghani, head of both the Democratic Unionist
Party and the NDA umbrella organisation, after a meeting
in Cairo. President Bashir welcomes the Sudan Call. The
appeal "contains several positive points", Bashir
declares, although he claims that "most of the provisions
of the agreement have already been achieved".
"Sudan's Bashir Sees
Opposition Peace Appeal as Positive", News Article
by Agence France Presse, 3 March 2001
4 March 2001 Sudan
formally protests to the United Nations over UNICEF's secret
airlift of around 3,000 child soldiers serving with the
SPLA from civil war frontlines to SPLA-held territory in
Rumbek. They state that the children should have been returned
to their families, and that the UN had reneged on its agreement
to maintain transparency in its dealings with Sudan.
"Sudan Formally Protests
Against UNICEF Airlift-Paper", News Article by Reuters,
4 March 2001
4 March 2001 Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir issues a press statement on his
departure from Libya emphasising pan-African cooperation
and looking forward to a new vision of US-Sudanese relations
from the new US administration.
"New US Administration
Has New Vision in Dealing With Sudan, Says President Bashir",
News Article by SUNA, 3 March 2001
9 March 2001 Sudanese
sources confirm that the US government has sent a "US
paper for achieving a comprehensive political solution in
Sudan" to government leaders, Sudanese opposition leaders,
Egypt and Libya. The paper apparently proposes self-rule
for southern Sudan. However, opposition sources deny having
received copies of the paper.
"Opposition Denies
Receiving US Plan for Reconciliation", News Report
by Al-Sharq al-Aswat (London), 9 March 2001
5 March 2001 In
a meeting with Sudanese ministers the French and Dutch ambassadors
in Khartoum both emphasis their keenness to support the
peace process and to exert efforts to end the war.
"France, The Netherlands
Keen to Support Peace Efforts in Sudan", News Article
at Al-Ra'y al-Amm (Khartoum), 3 March 2001
10 March 2001 Yassir
Arman, official spokesman of the SPLA, states: "We
and the al-Turabi group have common means, which do not
include using weapons to overthrow the government. The SPLM
has also its own special means. We will continue the armed
struggle in accordance with the 1995 Asmara Agreement.We
have the means of struggle, which include uprising, armed
struggle, diplomatic pressure, and political solution."
"Southern Rebel Spokesman
Interviewed on Agreement With Al-Turabi", News Article
by Al-Sharq al-Awsat (London), 10 March 2001
10 March 2001 Raymond
Brown, the US chargé d'affaires in Khartoum, meets
with Minister-of-State for foreign affairs Chol Deng, and
confirms the desire of the new American administration to
build a good relationship with Sudan.
"Minister Meets US
Envoy, Discusses Ties With US Administration", News
Article by SUNA, 10 March 2001
11 March 2001 Professor
Ibrahim Ahmed Omer, Secretary-General of the National Congress
party, calls on the USA to stop providing support to the
rebel SPLA and instead to assist in peace efforts.
"Ruling Party Official
Urges USA to Stop Supporting Rebels", News Article
by SUNA, 11 March 2001
12 March 2001 The
SPLA comments on the Washington-based International and
Strategic Studies Centre paper on proposals to end the Sudanese
civil war. It rejects the paper's proposal for two systems
within Sudan, which it feels is likely to push the government
to reinforce its alleged efforts to divide the country.
It also stated that the paper ignored the forces under the
banner of the NDA.
"Government, Opposition,
Rebels Reject US Proposal to End War", News Article
by Al-Ra'y al-Amm (Khartoum), 12 March 2001
13 March 2001 The
Arab League Council issues a statement at the end of its
115th session in Cairo calling for the UN Security
Council to end its sanctions against Sudan.
"Arab League Council
Issues Statement at End of Cairo Meeting", News Article
by Egypt Radio (Cairo), 13 March 2001
13 March 2001 Sudanese
Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail announces that the
Sudanese diplomatic mission in Washington would be re-opened
soon.
"Sudan
Set to Reopen Diplomatic Mission in Washington", News
Article by Agence France Presse, 13 March 2001
14 March 2001 President
Bashir rejects the report by the Washington-based International
and Strategic Studies Centre, proposing the formation of
two political entities in the north and south of Sudan as
a solution to the civil war. He states: "We categorically
refuse both the content and implications of the paper.Still,
Sudan does not consider the paper an official US policy
statement because it has not yet been adopted by the American
administration."
"Bashir Rejects American
Report on Sudan", News Article by PANA, 14 March 2001
14 March 2001 The
UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
starts its review of reports on how far Sudan has implemented
the rights guaranteed in the International Convention on
the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The
Sudanese government affirms that the Constitution of Sudan
acknowledges that the country is "a multi-lingual,
multi-religious and multi-cultural country". It also
affirms that this is an era of "constructive dialogue
and cooperation instead of confrontation", and that
Government "did not defend wrong practices, and if
there were violations, they were admitted".
"UN Committee on Elimination
of Racial Discrimination, "Committee on the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination Starts Review of Reports of Sudan",
CERD, 58th Session, 14 March 2001, Afternoon,
p. 1
16 March 2001 The
Roman Catholic Comboni Justice and Peace Commission releases
the news that on 22 February SPLA forces attacked and razed
to the ground the town of Nyal, in the Western Upper Nile
region. 15,000 people were forced to flee. The Comboni mission
and church were also burned.
"Sudan Rebels Raze
Town, Comboni Mission", News Article by CWNews.com/Fides,
15 March 2001
16 March 2001 The
US-based Human Rights Watch warns that faction fighting
between Nuer and Dinka factions within rebel forces could
lead to a famine unless the US intervenes diplomatically
with rebel forces and other parties.
"US Urged to 'Influence
South'", United Nations Integrated Regional Information
Network, Nairobi, 16 March 2001
16 March 2001 Kenyan
President Daniel arap Moi, in his role as Chairman of the
IGAD subcommittee on the conflict in Sudan, reiterates IGAD's
commitment to resolve the civil war.
"Kenyan President Willing
to Push for Sudan's Peace", News Article by XINHUA,
16 March 2001
16 March 2001 Two
leading NDA members, Dr Sharif Harir and Dr Taisier Al,
issue an assessment of the CSIS Report. They state that
they are "dismayed" by the report's analysis and
recommendations. They argue that the Report's "focus
on SPLM/A and a two systems one Sudan as a viable means
of resolving the conflict" is fallacious.
Dr Sharif Harir & Dr
Taisier Ali, "CSIS Report: US Policy to End Sudan's
War. A Reaction From Two NDA Members on the Eastern Front",
on Sudan-L@listserv.cc.emory.edu
16 March 2001 Prominent
NDA activist Mahgoub al-Tigani issues an "Open Letter
to the NDA Leadership". He denounces the SPLA's memorandum
of understanding with Turabi's Popular National Congress,
and denounces all partial and factional agreements by NDA
members.
Mahgoub al-Tigani, "Open
Letter to the NDA Leadership", 16 March 2001 on Sudan-L@listserv.cc.emory.edu
17 March 2001 Dr
Mustafa Osman Ismail, Sudanese Foreign Minister, meets a
Canadian parliamentary delegation led by Colleen Beaumier,
the vice-chairman of the Canadian parliamentary committee
for foreign relations. He outlines to the delegation Sudan's
developments in human rights, its relief activities in war
areas, and its views on the peace process. He calls on Canada
to play a positive role in attaining peace and stability
in Sudan.
"Foreign Minister Briefs
Canadian Parliamentary Delegation on Human Rights",
News Article by Sudan TV, 17 March 2001
17 March 2001 Kenyan
President Daniel arap Moi reaffirms the IGAD commitment
to resolving the Sudanese conflict and states his intention
to visit Sudanese President Bashir in the near future.
"Moi States IGAD Stand
on Sudanese Civil War", News Article by PANA, 17 March
2001
18 March 2001 The
French government urges the international community to work
towards an end to the Sudanese civil war. It expresses its
concern over the increase in the armed groups operating
in Sudan, and affirms that French cooperation minister Charles
Josselin will take part in IGAD meetings in Rome on March
21 to discuss the Sudan situation.
"France Warns of Dangers
Linked With Sudan Conflict", News Article by KUNA,
16 March 2001
18 March 2001 Umma
Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi accepts an official US invitation
to discuss with American officials Sudan's civil war. He
states: "We are looking forward to a more effective
American role in adopting what comes in line with the will
and desire of the Sudanese people.[The US] should back the
right national agenda as adopted by our party and it should
openly back the democratic transformation.instead of backing
the war as well as backing one side of the Sudanese equation."
"Sudan's Opposition
Leader Accepts Official US Invitation", News Article
by Associated Press, 18 March 2001
21 March 2001 The
second ministerial meeting of the Joint IGAD Partners Forum
starts in Rome. In his opening speech of welcome the Italian
Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini expresses confidence that
the IGAD Declaration of Principles "forms the basis
of an equitable and sustainable solution to years of domestic
strife. A broad consensus now exists that the unity of the
country is a priority goal, in the context of democracy,
self-determination, religious freedom and respect for human
rights, and the multireligious and multi-ethnic character
of Sudan".
"Address by the Minister
of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Lamberto Dini, at the Second
Ministerial Meeting of the Joint IGAD Partners Forum",
Government of Italy, Rome, 21 March 2001, at http://www.reliefweb.int/
23 March 2001 Sudanese
Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail states that the
United States should lift sanctions and withdraw its false
allegations of slavery and terrorism before it can play
a role in ending Sudan's civil war. He states: "We
acknowledge a role for the United States in ending the conflict
and achieving peace in the south, and to help with the political
and economic problems in the country . This would have to
be based on the lifting of sanctions currently in place
and an end to accusations that Sudan is a sponsor of terrorism
and a haven for slave trading."
"Sudan Says Dialogue
with US Must Precede America's Role in Ending War",
News Article by Associated Press, 23 March 2001
29 March 2001 The
Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi arrives in Khartoum for
talks with Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir in an attempt
to reinvigorate the peace process.
"Kenya's Moi Arrives
in Sudan to Try to Revive Peace Efforts", News Article
by Agence France Presse, 29 March 2001
29 March 2001 Sudanese
Vice-President Professor Moses Machar states that the government
is keen and serious to work towards peace in the south and
was attempting to create a suitable atmosphere for dialogue
by its continuing call for a cease-fire. He commends the
efforts of IGAD, and urges the rebel SPLA to respond by
accepting the cease-fire and negotiating. He argues that
the Sudanese government's constitution guarantees self-determination
for the south, and political freedoms, including freedom
of worship.
"Vice-President Machar
Urges Rebels to Respond to Calls for Cease-Fire", News
Article by Sudan TV, 29 March 2001
30 March 2001 A
joint communique is issued by Presidents Bashir of Sudan
and Daniel arap Moi of Kenya concerning the IGAD peace initiative.
It states: "The two countries agreed that the search
for a just and lasting peace in Sudan should continue under
the auspices of IGAD and under the chairmanship of President
Moi." The communiqué also agrees to hold a regional
IGAD summit "as soon as possible.to take stock of the
mediation efforts and chart the way forward in the interest
of peace in Sudan".
The Sudanese government
proposes a federal structure for Sudan, with a general referendum
to allow Southerners to choose between federal rule or an
independent state of their own.
"Sudan. Kenya Presidents
Agree to Peace in Sudan", News Article by Reuters,
30 March 2001; "Presidents of Kenya, Sudan Call for
Regional Summit to Discuss War", News Article by Associated
Press, 30 March 2001; "Moi, El-Bashir Push for IGAD
Summit on Sudan", News Article by PANA, 31 March 2001
30 March 2001 The
Islamic Development Bank, based in Saudi Arabia, grants
two loans to Sudan totalling US$17.2 million to finance
railway development and relief development projects for
those displaced by war in the mid-west.
"Sudan Gets 17.2 Million
Dollars IDB Loan", News Article by PANA, 30 March 2001
3 April 2001 Sudanese
Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail states: "we
hope the dialogue and contacts that started with the new
[US] administration will result in establishing good relations
based on mutual respect and joint cooperation in issues
of mutual concern."
"Sudan Renews Desire
for Good Ties With US", News Article by KUNA, 2 April
2001
3 April 2001 The
Humanitarian Aid Commission in Sudan presents a Sudanese
government letter of protest to the Adventist Development
and Relief Agency. The government protests the presence
of ADRA workers without visas, and their operation near
SPLA military bases, giving rise to the suspicion that they
were assisting the rebels' military activities. The ADRA
had previously been expelled from the Chukudum region in
1997 for such support.
"Commission Protests
Against Activities of Relief Agencies", News Article
by Republic of Sudan Radio (Omdurman), 3 April 2001
3 April 2001 Egyptian
President Hosni Mubarak tells US President George Bush that
"partition of Sudan was not an option", although
whether Sudan adopted a federal system was an internal issue.
"Partition of Sudan
Not an Option: Mubarek", News Article by Agence France
Presse, 3 April 2001
5 April 2001 As
part of a programme to incorporate international humanitarian
law into the training of Sudanese armed forces, 40 Sudanese
Air Force officers attend a law of war course in Khartoum
organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross
delegation in Sudan. The Commander of the Sudanese Air Force
affirms his commitment to ensuring that all Air Force personnel
apply the law.
"First Law of War Course
for Sudanese Air Force Officers", ICRC News No. 13,
5 April 2001
6 April 2001 Ethiopian
Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin meets with a Sudanese delegation
to Addis Ababa to discuss peace and stability in Sudan,
and reaffirm their support for the IGAD peace process there.
"Ethiopian Foreign
Minister, Sudanese Delegation Discuss Crisis in Somalia",
News Article by Radio Ethiopia (Addis Ababa), 6 April 2001,
7 April 2001 Sudan
names Khidr Haroun as the new chargé d'affaires to
head the Sudanese diplomatic mission in Washington.
"Sudan Names Diplomat
to Take Charge of Reopened Washington Embassy", News
Article by Agence France Presse, 7 April 2001
7 April 2001 The
Sudanese government announces that it will take firm steps
against those aid agencies who are aiding rebel forces.
It notes the use of relief planes to ferry SPLA soldiers,
and other involvement in rebel military and political activities.
"Official Accuses Unnamed
Agencies of Helping Rebels in South", News Article
at Al-Ra'y al-Amm, 7 April 2001
8 April 2001 SPLA
rebels threaten to attack international oil workers operating
in Southern Sudan.
"Sudan Rebels Threaten
Oil Workers", News Article by BBC News World Service,
8 April 2001
9 April 2001 Sudanese
Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail visits Eritrea
for talks with Eritrean President Issias Afeworki. To discuss
bilateral ties, the IGAD peace process and economic relations.
"Eritrean President
Receives Message From Sudanese Counterpart", News Article
by Voice of the Broad Masses of Eritrea (Asmara), 9 April
2001
10 April 2001 The
rebel SPLA accuses the Sudanese government of cooperating
with Iraq to produce chemical weapons for use in the civil
war. The Sudanese government categorically denies the accusation
which it states is "an old allegation.[to] mislead
world opinion".
"Sudan, Iraq Collaborate
on Chemical Weapons, Rebels Charge", News Article by
Agence France Presse, 10 April 2001; "Sudan Denies
Military Cooperation With Iraq", News Article by Agence
France Presse, 12 April 2001
11 April 2001 The
Sudanese government emphasises the importance of activating
the Fashoda peace agreements of 1993/1997 and implementing
its articles. It states that there is no intention of amending
the Agreement.
"No Amendments to Peace
Agreements, Minister Says", News Article by Akhbar
al-Yawm (Khartoum), 11 April 2001
13 April 2001 The
Nigerian government pledges to help resolve Sudan's civil
war. It states that it was planning the formation of a forum
of African friends of IGAD (to include Egypt, Libya, Nigeria
and South Africa) similar to the IGAD Friends forum involving
the US and the EU.
"Nigeria: Assist Sudan
Peace Process", News Article by Panafrican News Service,
12 April 2001
14 April 2001 Sudanese
Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail expresses his optimism
over the forthcoming IGAD summit. A breakthrough is possible,
he states, if the rebel movement shows sincerity and goodwill.
"Minister Upbeat About
Prospects for Progress in Upcoming Peace Talks", News
Article by SUNA, 15 April 2001
17 April 2001 The
SPLA claims that it has repulsed an attack by government
forces in Benderu, southern Blue Nile. Its statement declares
that the SPLA will continue its armed struggle for "widening
the margins of freedoms and capturing all the rights".
Umma Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi urges the SPLA to accept
a cease fire in order to participate in peace negotiations.
"Sudan: Blue Nile Offensive
'Intercepted' Rebels Say", Horn of Africa; IRIN Update,
17 April 2001, p. 2.; "Rebels Claim to Kill Hundreds
of Government Troops in Central Sudan", News Article
by Associated Press, 17 April 2001
17 April 2001 Umma
Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi expresses his favourable view
of the new US administration playing a greater role in Sudanese
problems and hopes that it avoid the pitfalls of the previous
administration. He also states that the Umma Party is drawing
up a comprehensive vision for cooperation between the Party
and the government in the light of the new situation.
"Opposition Umma Party
Leader Welcomes New Administration's Role", News Article
by Sudan TV, 18 April, 17 April 2001
18 April 2001 Dr
Hassan al-Turabi's Popular National Congress declares that
although the government should lead efforts to end the civil
war, it would not stop its own contacts with the SPLA.
"Turabi's
Groups Insists on Agreement With Southern Rebels",
News Article by Associated Press, 18 April 2001
22 April 2001 The
UN Human Rights Commission urges Sudan to "take immediate
steps in order to put in place a global, lasting and effectively
monitored ceasefire as a first step towards a negotiated
settlement to the conflict".
Sudanese Foreign Minister
Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail states that it views the UN call
favourably, affirming that the government has always advocated
a comprehensive ceasefire as a prelude to a negotiated settlement.
He also comments that a ceasefire initiative would be considered
at next week's IGAD summit in Nairobi. He further states:
"We are convinced that the south Sudan problem cannot
be resolved militarily and a political solution should be
sought."
"Sudan's Government in Favour of Ceasefire
in 18-year Civil War", News Article by Agence France
Presse, 22 April 2001
