Panafrican News Agency

Sudan Troika members witness Juba Peace Agreement between Gov't and opposition groups

Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - The governments of the United Kingdom, Norway and United States, collectively known as the Troika, on Tuesday signed the Juba Peace Agreement as witnesses in a signal of political support, a press release said.

According to observers the three western countries that have been the leverage behind the various rounds of peace talks in the Sudan, wanted to give an impetus to the current peace talks in Juba, South Sudan.

The present talks are between the government on the one hand and the rebel Sudan Liberation Army-North Sudan, one of the remaining two movements that have yet to sign a peace deal with Khartoum. In October the majority of the rebel movements signed the peace deal in Juba.

“Having welcomed the Agreement in October 2020 this further step demonstrates our commitment to the success of the Agreement and its potential to help meet the calls of the Sudanese people for freedom, peace, and justice, including for those affected by conflict in Darfur, South Kordufan and Blue Nile states, as well as other historically marginalized parts of Sudan.

"We urge immediate steps to fully implement and adhere to the agreed timelines set forth in the transitional Constitutional Document and the Juba Peace Agreement, including the formation of key institutions such as the Transitional Legislative Council," the Troika said in a press release received by PANA on Wednesday.

They commended the parties to the Agreement for the progress that has been made since October 2020, including the expansion of the government to include wider representation.

“We also commend the progress made by Prime Minister (Abdalla) Hamdouk and the transitional government in delivering vital reforms that are essential for the transition to democracy to succeed, including economic and legal reforms."

The Troika said they, however, recognise that efforts to deliver key provisions of the Agreement must be increased, including the formation of the joint force and the establishment of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism to help protect civilians in Darfur from conflict and violence.

They urged Sudan’s national and local authorities to facilitate and cooperate with the UN mission and UN Country Team in supporting speedy implementation of the Agreement.

They said as progress is made the Troika will continue to stand with Sudan and its people, adding "Our signatures today signal that commitment.” 

The Troika also welcomed the agreement on a Declaration of Principles between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North/Abdelaziz al-Hilo and encouraged both sides to reach agreement on ending their conflict so all Sudanese can play a part in the transitional process.  

They also called on remnants of other rebel movements that have yet to sign a peace deal with Khartoum to join the process

“We also continue to make our call for the Sudan Liberation Movement/Abdul Wahid al-Nor to begin talks as part of achieving a comprehensive peace involving all major armed movements. The Government of Sudan has described the Juba Peace Agreement as ‘Phase One’ of the peace process and the negotiations with al-Hilo and al-Nor as ‘Phase Two.’” 

-0- PANA MO/MA 9June2021