The European Commission (EC) is supporting peace negotiations between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) with with €1.5 million through its Rapid Reaction Mechanism.
The Commission funding provides support to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) peace secretariat in Nairobi covering costs related to hosting the peace-talks during the coming six months as well as operational costs of the international cease-fire observation mechanism.
Sudan has been embroiled in the longest running and one of the most devastating conflicts of post-colonial Africa. After a decade with on-off dialogues, the negotiations between the government and the SPLM/A seem to have reached the home stretch. Several sectoral accords, considered as major 'building blocks' on the way towards a comprehensive agreement, have been reached, thus building up momentum.
The signing of a comprehensive peace agreement would be followed by a six-months 'pre-transition period' during which government institutions will be put in place for the six-year transition which, according to the Machakos protocol, will conclude with a referendum in southern Sudan on secession or unity.
The signature of a peace agreement would also enable the Commission to initiate a large-scale program for post-conflict recovery, rehabilitation and development worth approximately €500 million. — (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
