Conflict Resolution in Sudan

Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution in Sudan and South Sudan in 2013

United States views on international law [1] in relation to Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution in Sudan and South Sudan: In 2013, problems persisted with implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 (“CPA”) in Sudan and South Sudan. The UN Security Council adopted several resolutions on Sudan and South Sudan in 2013. U.N. Doc. S/RES/2091; U.N. Doc. S/RES/2104; U.N. Doc. S/RES/2109; U.N. Doc. S/RES/2113; U.N. Doc. S/RES/2126; see also Ambassador Rice's remarks on resolution 2104, available at (link resource) usun.state.gov/briefing/statements/210047.htm. In March 2013, the presidents of Sudan and South Sudan worked out detailed arrangements to implement agreements they had previously signed in 2012. Ambassador Rice welcomed these implementation plans in remarks at the Security Council, but pointed out that “there have been many agreements signed but too few actually implemented.” Ambassador Rice urged implementation of the agreements and also urged the parties to address outstanding issues such as the situations in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile and Abyei. Ambassador Rice's March 12, 2013 remarks are available at (link resource) usun.state.gov/briefing/statements/205992.htm. The United States, Norway, and the United Kingdom (the “troika”) issued a ministerial joint statement on March 13, 2013 regarding this implementation plan. The joint statement is excerpted below and available at (link resource) usun.state.gov/briefing/statements/206176.htm.

Some Aspects of Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution in Sudan and South Sudan

We welcome the detailed arrangements approved by the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan this week to implement all nine agreements signed by Presidents Kiir and Bashir on 27 September 2012.

Developments

Most importantly, the new arrangements set clear deadlines for the withdrawal of forces from the disputed border and the establishment of a Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism operating within a Safe Demilitarized Border Zone, and they commit the parties to the resumption of oil production and the opening of the border for trade, which will provide such a vital boost to the economies of both countries.

Details

We call on the parties to begin implementation of all aspects of these agreements immediately and unconditionally, as required by UN Security Council Resolution 2046. This spirit of cooperation should also create the conditions for the parties to make progress on all other unresolved issues, to include Abyei.

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At the same time we remain deeply concerned by the security and humanitarian situation in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states in Sudan. It is imperative that both Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement North (SPLM-N) seize the opportunity of direct talks to address the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access to all areas, and the longer-term political solution. We welcome SPLM-N's acceptance of the invitation to direct talks and urge the Government of Sudan to do the same, without pre-conditions.

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We underline our continued support for the unceasing efforts of President Mbeki and the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel.

Resources

Notes

1. Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution in Sudan and South Sudan in the Digest of United States Practice in International Law