Press Release/Commentary by CA posted on May 28, 2004 at 11:11:57: EST (-5 GMT)

Christian Aid warns Sudan peace deal is not end to conflict

28 May 2004
Christian Aid - UK

After 21 years of war, and two years of peace negotiations, the government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Army have taken a major step towards ending their conflict in Sudan through the signing of three peace accords. Despite this, huge challenges remain.

'It is certainly time we saw the end of Africa's longest running war,' says Dan Silvey, Christian Aid's policy officer for Africa. 'But we must keep in mind that the situation is very complex, there are still conflicts, such as Darfur, that are outside the scope of this agreement.

'The deep-seated root causes of conflict in Sudan must be addressed. And it is imperative that the international community remains committed to the process if the people of Sudan are to see peace become a reality in their country.'

The impact of the war At least two million civilians have been killed, through the conflict and through starvation.

Millions more have been forced to flee to safer areas of the country or abroad. In the worst affected areas, the rule of law has been replaced by the power of the gun and government services have largely broken down.

Sudanese communities have become divided and whole areas at times depopulated. Poverty is chronic and widespread.

Jemma Kumba, Christian Aid's gender officer for southern Sudan has been a close observer of the peace process for the past two years.

'It is vital that the peace agreement is understood and supported by people in all areas of Sudan, not just the leaders who were involved in the negotiations, ' warns Ms Kumba.

'For peace to last, people need to see the benefits of it, and to participate in Sudan's reconstruction and recovery. They also need to feel confident that the leaders will keep their promises, when in the past so many have been broken. '

The conflict in Darfur and other regions Currently, hundreds of thousands are affected by devastating conflict in Darfur, western Sudan. This conflict is not directly addressed in the main peace process, but attempts to end it have been made through separate talks in neighbouring Chad.

Although a temporary ceasefire was agreed, the fighting has not stopped. Christian Aid is extremely concerned by the consequences of this, particularly the ferocious attacks on civilians.

There is opposition to the Sudanese government in many areas of the country, it is unclear how this peace agreement will address their grievances and prevent future conflicts from breaking out in other areas of the country.

Even in areas not directly affected by conflict, tight security and suppression of opposition parties and human rights abuses have torn apart the vibrant and diverse civil and political culture for which Sudan was once renowned.

Rebuilding Sudan After so many years of war, re-building the country to enable people to reap the rewards of peace is a huge task.

Christian Aid partners, especially the New Sudan Council of Churches, have been engaged in creating dialogue among people in the south to ensure peace becomes a reality.

Christian Aid is also working with other agencies to encourage the international community not to turn its back on Sudan once the peace deal is agreed. This is where the real work of reconstruction and reconciliation begins.