AFRICA/SUDAN - 18 months on from the peace agreement southern Sudan begins to live again and hope for the future

Thursday, 13 July 2006

AFGHANISTAN

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Khartoum (Agenzia Fides)- “There are numerous signs of general increase of movement and trade in southern Sudan” said Noelle Fitzpatrick, regional head of Jesuit Refugee Service for East Africa. During a recent visit to the region in June Mrs Fitzpatrick visited four projects in Yei, Kajo Keji, Labone, and Nimule and she said efforts made to improve the country’s road system were evident.
The recent introduction of the national curriculum in local primary schools in southern Sudan was another step towards integration of the region in the national school system. The border area of Adjumani, in northern Uganda, was the only place where Mrs Fitzpatrick noted hope mixed with disappointment although there was prevailing trust in the future.
Meanwhile JRS schools continue to educate thousands of children in Sudan and Uganda, despite inadequate structures, a recent outbreak of cholera and sporadic attacks by the LRA rebel group which has bases in southern Sudan.
The peace agreement signed 18 months ago by the government and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army still gives rise to contrasting sentiments among the people. Although there is peace in most areas LRA rebels together with some members of the SPLA discontent with the decisions taken by their group, continue to harass innocent civilians.
On 28 June the Ugandan government was formally invited by the government of southern Sudan to take part in peace talks with the LRA. The southern Sudan administration is looking for a mediator to promote dialogue between the government of Uganda and the LRA.
Yesterday 12 July in the southern Sudan city of Juba peace talks began between representatives of the Ugandan government and some LRA leaders. However the head of the LRA Joseph Kony refused to take part because he was afraid of being arrested. Kony and other LRA leaders are wanted by the International Court in the Hague for crimes committed in over 20 years of war. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 13/7/2006 righe 32 parole 409)