Posted on 31-5-2004

Sudan Peace Deal Not End To Conflict
From Christian Science Monitor

After 21 years of war, and two years of peace negotiations, the government
of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Army have taken a major step
towards ending their conflict in Sudan through the signing of three peace
accords. Despite this, huge challenges remain.

'It is certainly time we saw the end of Africa's longest running war,'
says Dan Silvey, Christian Aid's policy officer for Africa. 'But we must
keep in mind that the situation is very complex, there are still
conflicts, such as Darfur, that are outside the scope of this agreement.
'The deep-seated root causes of conflict in Sudan must be addressed. And
it is imperative that the international community remains committed to the
process if the people of Sudan are to see peace become a reality in their
country.'

The impact of the war

At least two million civilians have been killed, through the conflict and
through starvation. Millions more have been forced to flee to safer areas
of the country or abroad. In the worst affected areas, the rule of law has
been replaced by the power of the gun and government services have largely
broken down. Sudanese communities have become divided and whole areas at
times depopulated. Poverty is chronic and widespread.

Jemma Kumba, Christian Aid's gender officer for southern Sudan has been a
close observer of the peace process for the past two years. 'It is vital
that the peace agreement is understood and supported by people in all
areas of Sudan, not just the leaders who were involved in the
negotiations, ' warns Ms Kumba. 'For peace to last, people need to see the
benefits of it, and to participate in Sudan's reconstruction and recovery.
They also need to feel confident that the leaders will keep their
promises, when in the past so many have been broken. '

The conflict in Darfur and other regions

Currently, hundreds of thousands are affected by devastating conflict in
Darfur, western Sudan. This conflict is not directly addressed in the main
peace process, but attempts to end it have been made through separate
talks in neighbouring Chad. Although a temporary ceasefire was agreed, the
fighting has not stopped. Christian Aid is extremely concerned by the
consequences of this, particularly the ferocious attacks on civilians.

There is opposition to the Sudanese government in many areas of the
country, it is unclear how this peace agreement will address their
grievances and prevent future conflicts from breaking out in other areas
of the country. Even in areas not directly affected by conflict, tight
security and suppression of opposition parties and human rights abuses
have torn apart the vibrant and diverse civil and political culture for
which Sudan was once renowned.