Nairobi/Brussels, 10 February 2003: For the first month of 2003, an offensive by
government-backed southern militias in the Western Upper Nile oilfields of
southern Sudan presented the gravest threat to the peace process since its revitalisation in
mid-2002. The process eventually survived this major challenge: a strengthened
cessation of hostilities agreement was signed on 4 February and a memorandum of
understanding codifying points of agreement on outstanding issues of power and
wealth sharing was signed two days later. However the fighting raises serious
questions about the government’s commitment to peace. Much more attention also
needs to be paid to the pro-government southern militias and the commercial and
political agendas for which they are being used.
A new briefing paper* published today by the International Crisis Group (ICG),
Sudan's Oilfields Burn Again: Brinkmanship Endangers the Peace Process, describes the complex
political dynamics behind recent events and says the fighting demonstrates
three disturbing obstacles to the conclusion of a final peace deal:
the spoiler role the government-backed militias can play in
the process, including following the conclusion of a formal peace agreement, if
greater efforts are not made to encourage their reconciliation with the SPLA
insurgents; and
ICG Africa Program Co-Director John Prendergast said:
"In order to avoid further patterns of military brinkmanship
that threaten a collapse of the peace process, it is imperative that the
international community vigorously and publicly condemn any further violations
of the cessation of hostilities, and engage strongly on behalf of the peace
process. If the parties understand clearly the choice between the benefits of
peace and the isolation of war, the prospects for a final peace agreement will
be strengthened considerably".
The systematic attacks from late December until the
beginning of February were an extension of the government’s long-time strategy
of depopulating areas in order to clear the way for further development of oil
infrastructure. Eyewitness accounts confirm that the tactics include the
abduction of women and children, gang rapes, ground assaults supported by
helicopter gunships, destruction of humanitarian relief sites and burning of
villages. The Khartoum authorities deny it, but their responsibility for
the latest round of hostilities is clear.
John Prendergast said:
"Acquiescence to this brinkmanship approach of the government – if it is allowed to continue - will
eventually lead to the failure of the peace process. The government's military
strategy is responsive to the degree to which it is challenged by the
international community. Military tactics should not be allowed to dictate what
happens at the peace table".
MEDIA CONTACTS
Katy Cronin (London) +44.20.86.82.93.51
email: [email protected]
Francesca Lawe-Davies (Brussels) +32-(0)2-536.00.65
Jennifer Leonard (Washington) +1-202-785 1601
*Read the full ICG report on our website:
www.crisisweb.org
