Prime
Kiir seeks peace pact for Sudan
Seated left to right: Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the chairperson of the Transitional Sovereign Council of Sudan with South Sudan President Salva Kiir, after the Sudan peace agreement signing at the John Garang Museleom and Freedom Hall in Juba last Saturday. PHOTO/COURTESY
The scenes at the Dr John Garang Mausoleum and Freedom Hall in Juba, South Sudan last Saturday evoked memories of a once united Sudan yet it struck a stark irony.
For many years, the south fought for independence from the north but the celebratory mood in Juba did not reflect this checkered past. The joy, celebrations, dancing and waving of flags of both countries painted a picture of Sudan in peace.
By 8am, dancing groups dressed in traditional regalia poured into the mausoleum in Juba. The crowds, consisting of both Sudanese and South Sudanese, swelled every passing minute despite the downpour.
On the stage erected opposite the podium, where dignitaries sat, played a musical band and musicians from both countries, who serenaded the crowds with songs in Arabic and English.
The foe had turned friend and ironically, the nation that had struggled in its infant steps after independence in 2011 was offering her mother country, a hand in negotiating peace.
A few minutes to 1pm, President Salva Kiir arrived and was received by his vice, Dr Riek Machar amid ululations.
Immediately, representatives of the 13 rebel factions and the transitional government of Sudan were ushered into a tent erected below the podium to put ink to the pact. Sudan President, also the chairperson of the transitional sovereign council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and Sudan Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok also attended the function.
Gen Burhan rallied the crowd to have a peaceful nation, climaxing with a freedom song played off the military band much to the ululation of the crowd that also brandished yellow, green and blue flags.
Ms Saida Muhammad Khaterxx, a mother of three, dressed all her children in green, yellow and blue. She said the flag was chosen to signify peace.
Mr Kiir took to the podium and stressed the importance of peace.
“Despite the challenges facing our own country… who could imagine a country like ours recovering from conflict and affected by economic difficulties can play a part in resolving our neighbour’s troubles. To our detractors, today’s ceremony answers your doubts,” he said. “To my fellow compatriots, be proud because of our modest efforts in supporting the course of peace for our neighbours have paid us off… Our challenge gave us the determination to stand alongside the Sudanese as they work to have stability and peace in their country,” Mr Kiir added.
South Sudan minister for Investments, who is also the secretary of the Mediation Council, Dr Dhieu Mathok, told Daily Monitor Igad, requested Mr Kiir to mediate the talks.
“The negotiations have been going on for more than a year. Today marks a new era and the government of Sudan has decided to make peace with rebels. We had been given six months but because of the issues in the region, we couldn’t pull it off,” Dr Mathok said.
Uganda’s Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, who represented President Museveni, also asked the factions that had not signed the peace deal to do the same.
“Uganda appeals to Sudan Liberation Movement faction led by Abdel-Wahid Mohamed Nur (SLM-AW) and the SPLM-N led by Abdelaziz Adam al-Hilu to join the process to ensure inclusivity,” he said.
“The government of Uganda remains totally committed to the promotion of pan-Africanism as a key principle towards the ultimate objective of maintaining peace, security and economic transformation on the African continent,” Dr Rugunda added.
For his efforts, the Universal Peace Federation awarded Mr Kiir the Leadership and Good Governance accolade, which the South Sudan president described as a milestone.
At the event were Somalia President Ismail Omer Guelleh, Ethiopia President Sahle-Work Zewde, Chad’s Idriss Deby, Kenya’s former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka, Igad and United Nations representatives.
