Troika commends peace in Sudan
Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) – The United States, the United Kingdom and Norway, known as the Troika of Sudan's peace agreement, have issued a statement commending the Sudanese people as they celebrate the first anniversary of the signing of Juba Peace Agreement (JPA) on 3 October, 2020.
“This historic agreement responds to the Sudanese people’s calls for freedom, peace, and justice, especially from those affected by conflict across Sudan. We commend the JPA signatories for upholding their partnership and urge the parties to recommit to fully implement the agreement," a release published by the US State Department on Sunday said.
It added that the Troika applauds the strides made toward transitional justice including the government’s cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“We welcome the Cabinet’s stated commitment to hand over former President Omar al-Bashir and the other former officials subject to international arrest warrants, and we urge the government to move quickly on this commitment and to make progress on establishing the Special Court for Darfur. Due legal process will help give justice to victims and support the process for reconciliation,” it underlined.
The statement said the group was, however, “deeply concerned” by delays implementing commitments made one year ago.
It pointed to establishing of the Peace Commission, Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism, the Transitional Legislative Assembly, and establishing the Darfur Security Keeping Forces and JPA security arrangements, saying progress is needed now.
“We urge all JPA signatories to demonstrate leadership and work together to refocus on implementation to deliver much needed peace and security for the people. Special efforts should be made to meet the ambitious goals set in the Constitutional Declaration and JPA for the involvement of women."
The statement said the group was also disappointed with the lack of momentum in peace negotiations with the SPLM-N-Abdelaziz Alhilu of South Kordufan’s Nuba mountains area.
“We urge Chairman Alhilu and the Government of Sudan to return to Juba and negotiate on the basis of the March 2021 Declaration of Principles.”
The Troika also noted with concern the growing unrest in eastern Sudan and condemned all actions that threaten Sudan’s stability and economy.
“We encourage the government and all eastern parties to engage in dialogue to address legitimate grievances on the basis of the Constitutional Declaration and the JPA,“ the statement concluded.
-0- PANA MO/MA 3Oct2021
