The Sudanese Peace Process

Concordis International facilitated this consultation which brought 26 UK-based Sudanese from diverse backgrounds, representing a comprehensive range of key Sudanese constituencies, aided by two international experts. Five presentations were given by Sudanese participants on the progress of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) process and issues still to be resolved, conflict areas not being addressed by IGAD and priorities for implementation of the IGAD agreement. There was vigorous, frank and informed discussion of each area. Participants noted that despite progress in the negotiations, IGAD still needed to resolve a number of important issues, including the structure and process of the security framework in the country, the inclusiveness and comprehensiveness of the process, the issues of land reform, restitution and human rights, gender issues and the involvement of women in the peace process. The issue of inclusiveness was seen as especially important, and the participants agreed that IGAD had a very limited platform for a very diverse country. They stressed the need for a broader platform to involve the excluded parties and that, when decisions are reached in Machakos, they should not be imposed on the other regions without clarification and consultation. Furthermore, the other regions should be able to share in wealth, have the same rights (as given by any IGAD agreement to the North and South, as well as the option for them to establish their own structures and institutions. The participants agreed that the peace agreement must not only be a bilateral agreement and the two parties must find ways to accommodate the interests of others.