IGAD Calls for Peace in Sudan During Elections

IGAD Leaders

IGAD’s  14th Extra Ordinary Summit Meeting held in Nairobi today  has resolved to ensure democracy prevails In Sudan ‘s elections and referendum scheduled to take place In April and January 2011 respectively. During The Meeting IGAD members states pressurised Sudanese people  to ensure they conduct a  free and fair elections during its first democratic polls in 25 years. President Kibaki who hosted the leaders in Nairobi, called on President Omar Bashir’s administration to fast track the  implementation of Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in 2005 that brought to an end the 21 years of war in Sudan between SPLM/A  from South Sudan  and the Government forces in the North.

The IGAD leaders were joined by former  Kenyan President Daniel Moi, Burundi’s former President Pierre Buyoya, South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, the African Union and the Arab League in restating that the polls were crucial in Sudan’s democratic transformation and peace and stability in the region. Other leaders  who attended the meeting included Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Somalia Prime Minister Ali Sharmarkel, Sudan First Vice-President Salva Kiir who is also Southern Sudan’s President. Sudan second Vice-President Ali Mohamed Taha however said Sudan was confident the April polls and self-determination referendum set for January next year would be conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.

On his part South Sudan President Silva  Kiir noted that the southern Sudanese people, will use  the referendum to decide whether the region should breakaway or remain under united Sudan. The Sudan peace process was launched in 1993 when a standing committee was established to assist with negotiations to end Sudan’s Civil War.The efforts culminated in the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Nairobi in January 2005.

© 2010, Paul Mwaura. All rights reserved. – Reproduction of Newstime Africa content on any other news medium without the prior consent or approval of the publishers is forbidden, and in direct contravention of International copyright laws. Violators will be pursued and prosecuted.