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Sudan Tribune

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Sudan unprepared for 2011 referendum: report

July 13, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — A global coalition of 24 humanitarian and human rights organizations have issued a report today saying that Sudan is “alarmingly unprepared” for the self-determination referendum scheduled for early January.

The referendum on southern independence is a key provision of a 2005 peace deal which ended a more than two-decade war between north and south Sudan, a conflict in which two million people were killed.

Most observers expect an overwhelming vote by Southerners for independence from the North driven by bitter memories of the civil war and feeling of marginalization by the Arab-Muslim dominated North.

The ruling Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) are currently engaged in intense talks on thorny post-referendum issues including nationality, national debt, water agreements and border demarcation.

“The clock is ticking fast towards what might be the most important date in modern Sudanese history – two referenda in Sudan that are likely to result in the breakup of Africa’s largest state.”

In addition to the referendum on Southern independence, another vote will be held simultaneously in the area of Abyei, to determine whether or not it will join Southern Sudan.

“A failed referendum could plunge Sudan back into war once more. The international community must now capitalize on the opportunity provided by the CPA and ensure that a free and fair referendum occurs,” said Osman Hummaida, Executive Director of the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies, a member of the coalition.

“An agreement to share the revenues from oil was instrumental in achieving peace between north and south Sudan. As preparations begin for the referendum and possible Southern independence, it will be vital to resolve outstanding issues around oil in order to avert a return to war,” said Rosie Sharpe from Global Witness, a member of the coalition.

The report titled “Renewing the Pledge” called on the African and other world powers that witnessed the 2005 peace deal to push both sides to reach their agreements, hold a fair referendum on time and protect minorities in their territories.

The coalition also criticized the shift of focus on South Sudan referendum from other important issues such as democratic transformation, the unresolved conflict in Darfur, and other marginalized parts of Northern Sudan, including Eastern Sudan and the Three Areas.

(ST)

18 Comments

  • Kim Deng
    Kim Deng

    Sudan unprepared for 2011 referendum: report
    Southern Sudanese are more than ready which mean South Sudan is leaving no matter what. It’s a matter of less than 6 months before Southern Sudanese say their last goodbye to the arabized Nubian gov’t.

    Reply
  • Biden Osire
    Biden Osire

    Sudan unprepared for 2011 referendum: report
    Please be informed that we in the south will wait nothing but our new country and whether the north like it or not we are gone and forever shall we reunit again, even if the north is unprepared for it we shall vote and declare without any minute passingby let january 9th 2011 come.

    New Sudan, New state Oyeeeee southern sudan and to hell you who advocate for unity.

    Reply
  • Dinka Boy
    Dinka Boy

    Sudan unprepared for 2011 referendum: report
    This is a matter of death and live. Period!

    Reply
  • Dinka Boy
    Dinka Boy

    Sudan unprepared for 2011 referendum: report
    Life or death,period.

    Reply
  • Akuma
    Akuma

    Sudan unprepared for 2011 referendum: report
    Only Northern Sudan are only people who are ont prepare but we Southern Suddanese have prepare since the schedulling of referendum period. So, there will be no delay in independent of southern Sudan if needed.

    Dr. Akuma
    USA

    Reply
  • Bol Akoch Buoi
    Bol Akoch Buoi

    Sudan unprepared for 2011 referendum: report
    What? Sudan is “unprepared” for self-determination! who says that? You should be very specific here, you should say NCP is “unprepared for self-determination. But mind you that the NCP had never been prepared for self-determination of South Sudan. It was not for granted, It was fought and forced on them, therefore, they are not the guarantor or are they the auspice of the CPA. The marginalize of the marginalizes are prepared for self-determination leave alone Khartoum.
    My message to the CPA witness is that, if you want the generation of Sudan a generation of war than you will allow the referendum to fail. we cannot be with Northerners anymore, we had enough.

    Reply
  • Ayom
    Ayom

    Sudan unprepared for 2011 referendum: report
    we don’t care about such talks for unprepared referendum of sudan, what we know is that on 9th January 2011 we can celebrate our newly born nation and who will say no?

    By
    Ayom Ayom

    Reply
  • MJriaksdca
    MJriaksdca

    Sudan unprepared for 2011 referendum: report
    Our Southern politicians act as if they do not have eyes and ears to see and hear. They have acted too slow without any sense of urgency. Why? May be because they have been thinking that it were the Arabs who had to do more on referendum issues and development. However, haven’t they gotten it wrong? Can’t they see right now that it is the Arabs who are going to benefit from their layback tactics? With all the short time left, who in his rational mind think that all the delicate issues of border, debt, nationality, oil, etc can be solved now? We have struck ourselves in the foot. We shall blame you our politicians who have been too professional in handling things without any sense of urgency during the long ample time of the last five years. Everything, just proves that we cannot manage ourselves and issues pertaining us. To hell with us.

    Reply
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