Sudan, rebel alliance reach deal in ongoing peace efforts

AP | Sudan’s transitional authorities and a rebel alliance signed a peace deal on Monday following months of negotiations aimed at ending the country’s decades-long civil wars.

The deal was reached between the Sudanese government and the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF), a coalition of several armed groups. Leaders signed the agreement in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, where talks have been held since late last year.

Negotiating an end to the rebellions in Sudan’s far-flung provinces has been a crucial goal for the transitional government, which assumed power after a popular uprising led to the resignation of former President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019. Authorities hope to revive the country’s battered economy through slashing military spending, which takes up much of the national budget.

A cease-fire between government forces and the rebels has been in place since al-Bashir’s ouster.

The televized ceremony was attended by South Sudan President Salva Kiir, whose own country gained independence from Sudan in 2011 following decades of civil war. The head of Sudan’s sovereign council, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok also attended the signing.

Jonas Horner, senior Sudan analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the agreement a “hugely significant sign of progress for Sudan’s transition.”

“But it is also far from comprehensive and only represents a first step towards peace, while significant hurdles remain in the way of its implementation,” he added. “Diplomatic support, or even pressure if needed, will be imperative to make sure the parties implement the agreement.”

The deal would grant self-rule for the provinces of Blue Nile, South Kordofan and West Kordofan, according to a draft obtained by reporters. Rebel forces would be integrated into Sudan’s armed forces.

Hamdok, the prime minister, took to Twitter to hail the deal as a “start of the peace path. A peace that requires strong and firm will.”

South Sudan’s president described the agreement as a “milestone” in achieving peace in Sudan. Kiir vowed to “continue standing with the Sudanese to ensure the implementation of the peace agreement,” according to his advisor and mediator Tut Qalwak.

The SRF is part of the pro-democracy movement that led the uprising against al-Bashir.