Arusha. South Sudan took a big step towards re-union after rival factions of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) signed an agreement here on Wednesday. The burning question in the minds of regional leaders and analysts, though, is whether the accord will finally end the conflict that has so far claimed thousands of lives.
Those who spoke to The Citizen yesterday said intense efforts spearheaded by regional leaders, especially those from Tanzania, led to a turning point in the bloody conflict. The agreement was brokered in a meeting that went on well into the night.
But there are those who argue that it is too early to celebrate and it is the outcome of the Addis Ababa peace talks that are crucial to the future of South Sudan. The signing ceremony at Ngurdoto Hotel in Arusha was witnessed by an array of regional leaders--including host President Jakaya Kikwete, President Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), President Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Historic agreement
South Sudan President Salva Kiir, former vice-president Riek Machar and Mr Deng Alor Kuol signed the historic agreement, which puts the young African nation back on the path to peace and development.
Among the issues agreed by both parties is the restoration of peace and stability and a public apology from the SPLM leadership to the people of Sudan for the atrocities they experienced. The SPLM party leadership will be required to embrace policies that allow a culture of tolerance and ideals of democracy to take root.
The party’s leadership is also expected to come up with policies that will get rid of tribalism, sectarianism and militarism in political life and make room for an environment that promotes genuine political pluralism. Those who participated in atrocities during the conflict will not to be allowed to hold public office.
The SPLM leaders agreed to co-operate in ending hostilities and use the Arusha Intra-Party Dialogue and IGAD mediation process in Addis Ababa to expedite the conclusion of the peace agreement. The South Sudan leadership is also required to develop and implement a comprehensive programme for national unity, peace, reconciliation and healing and to promote harmony.
The three factional SPLM groups are expected to embrace reunification and reconciliation of the party leadership and membership. In the meantime, the SPLM general secretariat will be structured and reorganised to streamline offices and functions to ensure efficiency and effectiveness--drawing from the experiences of similar parties and liberation movements.
The agreement also demands that the National Liberation Council revisit and review the contentious provisions in the draft constitution to ensure internal democracy within party structures before it is presented to the National Convention.
The Political Bureau has been given the task of developing a party leadership code of ethics and disciplinary procedures to be upheld by all members, regardless of their positions. And SPLM national and state chairpersons of the party will hold office for a maximum of two five-year terms.
The reunified SPLM is called upon to abide by the terms and spirit of the IGAD Peace Agreement. It must also recognise the need for a transitional government in which all SPLM groups and other political parties will participate proportionally so as to end the war and establish sustainable peace. And the Political Bureau is required to develop a party leadership code of ethics and disciplinary procedures.
