22 April 2001 Sudanese
officials attend a meeting of the Ethio-Sudanese Joint Border
Commission and describe the ties between the two countries
as "exemplary to other countries' peace and development
efforts".
"Ethiopian. Sudanese
Officials Praise Bilateral Border Cooperation", News
Article by XINHUA, 22 April 2001
22 April 2001 A
Government-appointed legal panel to investigate Umma Party
claims for indemnities for its confiscated properties starts
its deliberations.
"Government Panel Probes
Opposition's Indemnity Claims", News Article by PANA,
22 April 2001
23 April 2001 Hassan
al-Turabi's Popular National Congress party states that
it is ready to negotiate with the Khartoum government on
certain conditions.
"Former Speaker Turabi's
Party Said Ready to Negotiate With Ruling Party", News
Article by Akhbar al-Yawm (Khartoum), 23 April 2001
24 April 2001 Former
US President Jimmy Carter, now head of the Carter Centre
which operates peace and disease control programmes in Sudan,
states that the new US administration should strive to bring
peace to Sudan rather than overthrow its government. He
states:
"It is unfortunate
that US policy is not devoted to bringing peace to Sudan
where people are suffering from the disease and destruction
of civil war.I requested [Vice President Dick Cheyne, Secretary
of State Colin Powell and National Security Advisor Condoleezza
Rice] to bring peace in Sudan and not to overthrow the Khartoum
government.For the last eight years the US has had a policy
which I strongly disagree with in Sudan, supporting the
revolutionary movement and not working for an overall peace
settlement. My hope is that the new administration in Washington.will
be working now towards a reconciliation with the Khartoum
government and the revolutionary forces in the south."
"US Should Work for
Peace in Sudan - Carter", News Article by Gulf News,
24 April 2001; "Carter Says Wrong Time for Mideast
Talks", News Article by Reuters, 24 April 2001
24 April 2001 An
official Sudanese Army spokesman claims that government
forces are in full control of the Blue Nile area in south-eastern
Sudan. He also claims that a number of former rebel commanders
have defected to the government. The rebels claim that government
forces are engaging in "wide scale, aggressive attacks.intended
to wipe out all villages.genocide". It calls for "armed
rebellion" against the government. It claims that "the
cosmetic calls of freedom, reconciliation, prosperity spread
by their [propaganda] media and agents". The SPLA also
claims that it has repulsed government forces and maintains
control of key towns.
"Army Claims Victory
Against Rebels in Southeast", News Article by Sudan
TV, 24 April 2001; Press Release by "Sudan Alliance
Forces", posted on MSANews, 30 March 2001; "Government
Says in 'Full Control' of Blue Nile", News Article
by IRIN (Nairobi), 26 April 2001
25 April 2001 Sudanese
Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail states that the
increased campaign of allegations of slavery in Sudan were
started in order to cripple the peace process. He expresses
his confidence in Sudan's ability to refute and overcome
the false charges.
"Sudan Assured of Success
Against 'Foreign Campaign' to Scuttle Peace Efforts",
News Article by SUNA, 25 April 2001.
25 April 2001 A
conference of over 100 pro-government militia force leaders
meets in Juba. The conference, taking place under the auspices
of the Southern Coordination Council, discusses the cease-fire
commission and the Joint Military Committee which should
have been formed under the Khartoum Peace Agreement. The
Conference emphasises the importance of maintaining the
unity of the faction in order to maintain peace.
"Over 100 Pro-Government
Militia Commanders Meeting in Juba", News Article by
The Khartoum Monitor, 26 April 2001
26 April 2001 The
United Arab Emirates calls upon party leaders within Sudan
to discuss possible ways of ending disputes and the armed
conflict in Sudan. A joint peace initiative supervised by
the UAE-based Zayid Centre for Coordination and Observation
and the Carter Centre is proposed.
"UAE, Carter Centre
to Form Joint Initiative for Peace in South", News
Article by Republic of Sudan Radio (Omdurman), 26 April
2001
26 April 2001 The
Sudanese government welcomes the joint initiative by former
US President Jimmy Carter and the United Arab Emirates to
end the civil war.
"Sudanese Government
Welcomes Carter's Initiative to End the War in Southern
Sudan", News Article by ArabicNews.com, 26 April 2001
28 April 2001 Sudanese
Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail rejects the SPLA
proposal that it suspend oil operations as a condition for
a comprehensive ceasefire.
"Sudan Rejects Proposal
to Suspend Oil Operations in Return for Truce", News
Article by Agence France Presse, 28 April 2001
29 April 2001 The
SPLA claims victory in fighting in the border areas near
Ethiopia - claims denied by the Khartoum government. SPLA
spokesman Yassir Arman again declares that a comprehensive
ceasefire can only take place "if all operations of
oil excavation and crude oil exports are also ceased".
"Sudan's Rebels, Government
Each Claim Upper Hand", News Article by Associated
Press, 29 April 2001
29 April 2001 The
International Monetary Fund agrees for the first time in
17 years to lay down a rescheduling formula for Sudan to
repay its 20 billion dollar debts.
"IMF Agrees Formula
for Rescheduling Sudan's Debts", News Article by Agence
France Presse, 29 April 2001
30 April 2001 In
the bilateral Ethiopian-Sudan meeting in Addis Ababa the
Ethiopian Foreign Minister declares that "Sudan and
Ethiopia are opening a new chapter in the history of their
cooperation". Both Foreign Ministers express their
support for the peace process in Somalia.
"Ethiopia and Sudan
Announce New Chapter of Cooperation", News Article
by Agence France Presse, 30 April 2001
30 April 2001 Sudanese
Minister of Information and Communications Dr Ghazi Salehuddin
Atabani holds the rebel movement fully responsible for the
continuation of the civil war and for putting impossible
conditions for a cease-fire. He argues that the US administration
should pressurise the rebels to accept a cease fire, and
emphasises the government's concern to enable relief services
and supplies to reach all war-affected peoples.
"Minister Says 'Impossible
Conditions' by Rebels Blocking Cease-Fire", News Article
by SUNA, 30 April 2001
1 May 2001 Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir accepts an invitation to visit
Egypt to discuss "ways of reviving the Egyptian-Libyan
initiative for reconciliation", as well as trade and
economic links.
"Sudanese President
in Egypt Next Week: Press", News Article by Agence
France Presse, 1 May 2001
2 May 2001 A
Sudanese government spokesman states that SPLA demands that
oil development cease as a condition for a comprehensive
ceasefire were "unacceptable conditions". He points
out that previous demands were that a "comprehensive
political settlement" be reached before a ceasefire
could be established. He further states that the Sudanese
government feel that the SPLA does not a "clear cut
objective" and were deliberately blocking talks. In
contrast, he argues that the Sudanese government would "keep
all doors open" to attain a peaceful end to the civil
war.
"Ceasefire Blocked
by Oil Demands, Says Government", United Nations Integrated
Regional Information Network, Nairobi, 2 May 2001
2 May 2001 Sudanese
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Chol Deng states that
the continued inclusion of Sudan by the US government in
its list of alleged sponsors of terrorism was "incorrect",
and that US official should know this because Sudan has
co-operated with them. The report failed "to reflect"
the cooperation that Khartoum has given Washington to ensure
there was no support for terrorism within Sudan.
"Sudan Rejects US Blacklist
Denying It Supports Terrorism", News Article by Agence
France Presse, 2 May 2001.
3 May 2001 The
United States loses its seat on the United Nations' Human
Rights Commission. Sudan is elected. The United States had
held a seat on the body since it was established in 1947.
The Sudanese Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail commented
that the ouster of the United States indicates its isolation
from the mainstream of human rights issues. He said that
it was an unequivocal message that it should reconsider
its human rights policies and previous unjust resolutions.
"U.S. Loses Seat on
U.N. Human Rights Commission, Sudan Joins Commission",
News Article by Associated Press, 3 May 2001; "U.S.
Ouster from UNHRC Proves its Isolation: Sudanese Minister",
News Article by XINHUA, 5 May 2001.
3 May 2001 At
the end of the three-day summit between Ethiopia and Sudan
a political and cooperation agreement to develop road and
trade links is signed. A joint statement also declares that
the "two sides also discussed the implementation of
a preferential trade arrangement, which would ultimately
lead to the creation of a free trade area between the two
countries". It is agreed that entry visas and passports
for diplomatic and business travellers will be abolished
between the two countries.
"Ethiopia and Sudan
Sign Cooperation Agreement". News Article by Associated
Press, 3 May 2001; "Sudan, Ethiopia to Cancel Entry
Visas", News Article by ArabicNews.com, 4 May 2001
4 May 2001 Umma
Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi meets SPLA leader John Garang
in a meeting sponsored by Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo
but fails in an attempt to unify opposition ranks for negotiations
with the Khartoum government. In an SPLA statement Garang
states that the SPLA and the NDA welcomed any call for peace
talks with the government, but warned that existing "open
channels" of communications with the government did
not need an opposition group to coordinate or mediate, because
"this has no meaning".
Al-Mahdi and Garang agree
to meet again in June in Abuja for further talks.
"Sudan's Ex-Prime Minister
Meets Rebel Leader in Nigeria", News Article by Associated
Press, 4 May 2001
5 May 2001 The
Umma Party rejects an invitation by the SPLA to rejoin the
National Democratic Alliance. Umma Party President Sadiq
al-Mahdi states that the NDA is "no longer in existence
and has been overtaken by events".
"Sudan's Opposition
Umma Party Rejects Invitation to Rejoin Party", News
Article by Agence France Presse, 5 May 2001
6 May 2001 Sudan
announces that a political committee formed from the Sudanese
and Ethiopian joint ministerial committee will hold its
meeting next October to review and evaluate all bilateral
agreements. Security and Military committees will also be
formed.
"Sudanese, Ethiopian
Joint Committee Agree to Form Security, Military Organs",
BBC Monitoring Service, 6 May 2001
8 May 2001 Nigeria
sends an envoy to Sudan to pursue a new peace initiative,
a week after President Olusegun Obasanjo met rebel and opposition
leaders.
"Nigeria Launches Own
Peace Initiative", News Article by Reuters, 8 May 2001
9 May 2001 The
Sudanese government restructures its Peace Advisory Council.
"Government to Restructure
Peace Advisory Council", News Article by Al-Ra'y
al-Amm (Khartoum), 9 May 2001
10 May 2001 Libyan
leader Moamer Kadhafi arrives in Sudan for talks with Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir to discuss the Egyptian-Libyan
peace issues, and other issues of bilateral concern.
"Kadhafi in Sudan to
Discuss Bid for Peace", News Article for Agence France
Presse, 10 May 2001 at 09:41:03
10 May 2001 The
Sudanese government accuses the SPLA of shooting and fatally
inuring a pilot on a Red Cross relief plane over rebel-held
territory.
"Sudan Accuses Rebels
of Killing Red Cross Pilot", News Article by Reuters,
10 May 2001
11 May 2001 The
governments of Uganda and Sudan agree to implement the Nairobi
Agreement signed by the two countries in 1999 with the aim
of improving their relations. Liaison officers are appointed
to work on implementation in both countries, and Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir is invited to attend the swearing
ceremony of Ugandan President-elect Yoweri Museveni.
"Uganda, Sudan to Improve
Their Relations", News Article by XINHUA, 11 May 2001
11 May 2001 The
Libyan and Sudanese leaders agree to try to arrange talks
between the Sudanese government and opposition and rebel
groups.
"Libya, Sudan Plan
Peace Talks with Sudan Opposition", News Article by
Reuters, 11 May 2001
14 May 2001 The
SPLA states that it could not commit itself to an Egyptian-Libyan
peace initiative as the IGAD peace process takes precedence.
An SPLA statement declares: "It is unfeasible for the
People's Movement to negotiate under the IGAD initiative
and other initiatives at the same time on the same issues".
"Sudanese Rebels Say
They Can't Commit to Egyptian-Libyan Peace Drive",
News Article by Agence France Presse, 14 May 2001
14 May 2001 Opposition
Umma Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi blames John Garang and
the SPLA for the failure of the recent Nigerian-sponsored
talks in Abuja to unify opposition ranks and arrange peace
talks with the government. Al-Mahdi states: "Garang
has used a clear tactic to add other issues to our discussion
(and) bring our meeting in Abuja to a failure."
Al-Mahdi also argues that
some quarters - which he did not name - were dictating to
Garang to make him continue fighting.
"Sudan's Opposition
Blames Rebels for Failure of Unity Talks", News Article
by Associated Press, 14 May 2001; "Umma Party Leader
Attacks SPLM Leader", News Article by Al-Ra'y al-Amm
(Khartoum), 14 May 2001
15 May 2001 At
a UN conference on the world's least developed nations in
Belgium, Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir states that the
government is ready to implement "an immediate and
comprehensive ceasefire" and start serious negotiations
for the achievement of a comprehensive peace, on the condition
that the SPLA agrees to the same.
"Government 'Ready
for a Ceasefire'", News Article by IRIN, Nairobi, 15
May 2001
17 May 2001 Sudanese
Vice-President Ali Osman Taha reaffirms the government's
"commitment to the peaceful political solution rather
than the option of confrontation. It is.based on agreement
to pursue a rational policy based on pluralism and all the
basic human rights that guarantees public and private freedoms
and upholds the rule of law and the independence of the
judiciary".
He also states that the
government has succeeded in keeping contacts open with "all
the political forces" of the opposition and rebel movements,
with the exception of John Garang's SPLA. He adds that,
unfortunately, the rebel movement "is meanwhile keeping
its own cards to itself, is hesitant and reacts to any initiative
or proposals with reservations or rejection".
"Sudanese Vice-President
on Peace Initiatives, Dialogue", Al-Sharq al-Awsat
(London), 17 May 2001
22 May 2001 Nigerian
President Olusegun Obasanjo launches a new peace initiative
to end the Sudanese civil war.
"Nigerian President
Continues Talks 'to End War in Sudan'", News Article
by Agence France Presse, 22 May 2001
22 May 2001 The
Sudanese opposition Democratic Unionist Party, led by Mohammed
Osman al-Mirghani, states that a group of Sudanese opposition
groups will be meeting in Cairo on June 1st in
order to revive the joint Libyan-Initiative.
"Sudanese Oppositions
to Hold Meeting in Cairo", News Article by ArabicNews.com,
22 May 2001
22 May 2001 Former
Sudanese head-of-state retired Field Marshal Abd al-Rahman
Swar al-Dahab (who seized power in 1985 but resigned a year
later after organising democratic elections) has meetings
in Kano with the Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo regarding
his peace initiative and accuses the US of fomenting the
civil war. He states:
"The West, headed by
the United States, does not want Sudan to prosper, hence
they ignited the civil war which has cost Sudan so much.The
United States is strongly supporting the dissidents led
by Colonel John Garang. They are giving him arms and money."
"Former Sudanese Ruler
Accuses US of Starting Sudan's Civil War", News Article
by Agence France Presse, 22 May 2001
23 May 2001 Canadian
Foreign Minister John Manley expresses "concern over
the tragic situation in Sudan", criticises both sides
in the civil war, and calls the "re-energisation"
of the peace process under he auspices of IGAD. He states
that a Canadian special envoy, Senator Lois Wilson, will
be travelling to Africa in June to "seek every appropriate
opportunity for a more active search for peace in the region".
He also adds that Canada will continue to help funding IGAD.
"Canada Expresses Concern
Over Sudan, Urges Stepping Up of Peace Process", News
Article by Agence France Presse, 23 May 2001; "Canada
Criticises Both Sides in Civil War", News Article by
Reuters, 23 May 2001
24 May 2001 The
Sudanese government states that it has decided to cease
air raids on rebel targets in south Sudan and the Nuba Mountains.
Information Minister Dr Ghazi Salehuddin Atabani states
that: "[The decision was taken] in pursuance of the
state's set policy for achieving peace and stability, bolstering
the reconciliation process and the continued call by the
State for a comprehensive ceasefire.[However, the army reserves
its right of] protecting its individuals and supply lines
and coping with any aggression aimed at achieving any battlefield
gains in manipulation of this decision. The government calls
upon the other parties for an immediate response for boosting
the peace process in the country and appeals to the international
community to back up the call for a comprehensive ceasefire."
However, the SPLA claims
a further military victory in the Blue Nile province. SPLA
spokesman Yassir Arman states: "SPLA forces have repulsed
attacks by government forces in the Chali region, downing
helicopters, and scattering the government troops after
killing more than 3000 soldiers."
"Sudanese Government
Declares Halt to Air Raids in South", News Article
by Agence France Presse, 24 May 2001
25 May 2001 The
US State Department announces that it has agreed to supply
$3 million worth of logistical support to the National Democratic
Alliance. This is in addition to $10 million approved by
Congress last year for logistical support for Sudanese rebels.
"US Plans $3mln Support
for Sudan Rebels - Paper", News Article by Reuters,
25 May 2001
25 May 2001 Stephen
Morrison, Director of the Sudan project of the Centre for
Strategic and International Studies in Washington, criticises
US aid to the rebel SPLA. He states: "This package
[of aid] feeds false hopes and expectations on the part
of the southerners and sustains excessive paranoia in Khartoum."
"US Slates $3 Million
for Sudan's Opposition", The Washington Post,
25 May 2001
26 May 2001 The
Sudanese government condemns the US decision to aid Sudanese
rebels. A statement declares: "[The agreement] violates
all efforts under way to achieve a just and peaceful solution
to the problem of southern Sudan. It will only lead to more
bloodshed and killings."
"Sudan Slams Planned
US Aid for Southern Rebels", News Article by Reuters,
26 May 2001
27 May 2001 US
Secretary of State Colin Powell visits Sudan's southern
neighbours. He promises increased food aid to both sides
in the civil war. In a statement in Uganda he declares that
the Bush administration's review of Sudan policy was almost
complete. He welcomes Sudan's cessation of bombing but states
that "this is a good step but it can't just be for
a short time.We will measure their behaviour, their response
to our actions and see whether or not we have a basis for
moving forward". He also states that the US will soon
name an envoy to Sudan as part of more active efforts to
resolve the civil war.
"Powell Pledges More
Efforts to End Sudan War", News Article by Reuters,
27 May 2001
27 May 2001 The
Sudanese Communist Party harshly criticises its fellow NDA
member the SPLA for moving toward a secessionist position.
It states that the SPLA "has deviated from its declared
unitary stance and begun to call for a confederation and
recently for a southern state that includes northern territories".
It also adds that it is not party to the SPLA's "clandestine
objectives".
"Sudan's Communist
Party Accuses Southern Rebels of Secessionism", News
Article by Agence France Presse, 27 May 2001
28 May 2001 The
two main rival rebel movements in Sudan, the SPLA and Riek
Machar's Sudan People's Democratic Front, announce at a
meeting in Nairobi that they will merge in order to step
up the war against the Khartoum government. However, at
the same meeting another small rebel group accuses the SPLA
of planning an attack upon it.
"Southern Sudan's Two
Rival Movements Announce Merger", News Article by Agence
France Presse, 28 May 2001; "Sudan Rebel Group and
Former Rivals Reunite", News Article by Reuters, 28
May 2001
28 May 2001 Sudanese
Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail, at a press conference
in Oslo following a meeting with the Norwegian Foreign Minister,
states that he is optimistic that a ceasefire could be agreed
upon at the June 2 IGAD meeting. He states that: "Everybody
wants this war to stop, everybody wants a ceasefire. And
[the Khartoum government] wants this ceasefire to be accommodated
by a serious negotiation that could lead to a final settlement."
"Sudan Government Eyes
Peace Ahead of June Meeting", News Article by Reuters,
28 May 2001
30 May 2001 The
SPLA launch a major offensive on the eve of the IGAD peace
talks. claims to have captured two garrison towns, in southern
Sudan, Diem Zubeir and Sopo, to have destroyed a full battalion
of government troops. The Khartoum government claims that
it is still in control of Diem Zubeir.
"SPLA Rebels Claim
Capture of Second Key Town in Southern Sudan", News
Article by Agence France Presse, 30 May 2001
1 June 2001 In
an interview with Newsweek SPLA leader John Garang
further accuses the Khartoum government of being a "terrorist
state", of practising "gross human-rights violations.genocide".
He declares himself a "freedom fighter" and the
SPLA as a "human-rights movement". Responding
to criticisms of his own forces by some human rights organisations
he attributes them to "mistakes that happen" in
the context of "a war situation in which you have in
places outlaws, people who are against anybody". He
argues for "two states, two separate constitutions"
as a solution to the civil war.
"Sudan: 'Let Us Have
Two Constitutions'", Newsweek, 1 June 2001
2 June 2001 Thirty
minutes before the Nairobi IGAD summit is due to start the
SPLA faxes a statement to Associated Press stating that
it has captured the southern town of Raga. The statement
declares that "this was an excellent timing.The SPLA
has the power to meet force with force".
"Sudan's Government
Calls on International Community to Push for Cease-Fire",
News Article by Associated Press, 5 June 2001
2 June 2001 Kenyan
President Daniel arap Moi opens the IGAD summit. Hailing
the presence of both Sudanse President Omer al-Bashir and
SPLA leader John Garang, calling on them both to "engage
in sustained negotiation with greater determination".
He also urges the two sides to declare a "comprehensive
ceasefire". In his speech Moi also lists the four main
obstacles to peace: eligibility to vote in a self-determination
referendum for the south; separation of religion and state;
the system of government to be installed during an interim
period; and the sharing of resources.
However, against the backdrop
of a full-scale SPLA offensive, the one-day conference ends
with no agreement on a ceasefire. The Kenyan Foreign Minister
states: "The parties have committed themselves to work
towards concluding a ceasefire agreement but in the circumstances
it appears it was not possible to agree today."
However, it is agreed to
appoint permanent negotiating teams to try to restart peace
talks and for both leaders to attend another session of
task in two month's time. After the summit Garang also states
that any ceasefire must also include what he calls "a
comprehensive cease-oil.a cessation of the exploration,
development and export of oil".
"Sudanese Peace Summit
Opens in Nairobi", News Article by Agence France Presse,
2 June 2001; "No Ceasefire Accord at Sudan Summit -
Kenya Minister", News Article by Reuters, 2 June 2001;
"Update 2: Sudan Civil War Foes Fail to Agree Ceasefire",
News Article by Reuters, 2 June 2001; "Update 3: Sudan
Civil War Foes Fail to Agree Ceasefire", News Article
by Reuters, 2 June 2001.
3 June 2001 Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir expresses his disappointment at
the failure of the Nairobi IGAD meeting but states that
"setting up a permanent committee in Nairobi to pursue
dialogue between the two sides is a positive step toward
peace".
"Sudanese President Disappointed in Summit's
Lack of Cease-Fire Progress", News Article by Agence
France Presse, 3 June 2001
