Sudan told to be calm, respect outcome

By ATHMAN AMRAN

A civil society group has urged Sudanese to respect the outcome of the Sunday’s referendum to avoid chaos.

International Centre for Policy and Conflict executive director Ndung’u Wainaina called on all parties in Sudan to refrain from unilateral action whatever the outcome of the vote.

"Whatever the outcome of the referendum, continued co-operation and respecting obligations between the Comprehensive Peace Agreement parties will remain essential for managing the transition process," he said.

End civil war

The CPA, which was signed in 2005 between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and the Government of Sudan, had set a timetable by which Southern Sudan would have a referendum on its independence. It was also meant to end civil war, develop democratic governance and share oil revenues.

In a Press statement yesterday, Mr Wainaina said co-operation is essential for the implementation of the post-referendum arrangements and maintaining peace and prosperity.

ICPC, however, advised African Union and the United Nations to directly monitor and continuously engage both sides during and after the referendum.

"Every effort needs to be directed towards strong commitment to the peace and stability of Sudan after the referendum in order to realise a democratic, peaceful and prosperous future for all Sudanese," he said.

He said although the referendum on the self-determination of the people of Southern Sudan is key, the ability to peacefully determine the future status of Abyei, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile and the inclusive resolution of the situation in Darfur remain fundamental issues that cannot be ignored.

And there will be eight polling stations for Sudan’s southerners residing in Kenya who intend to participate in the vote, the Head of Mission Michael Majok said yesterday.

Nairobi will have two at the Railways Sports Club and at the Blue Springs Hotel on Thika Road and the others will be spread out across the country, he said.