ROAD MAP FOR South Sudan IGAD LED PEACE TALKS.

ROAD MAP FOR South Sudan IGAD LED PEACE TALKS.

Position of the Catholic Church:.

Presented by:

His Lordship Bishop Santo Pio.

Auxiliary Bishop of Archdioceses of Juba

2^nd. April 2014

Nairobi

Introduction:

 Catholic Church, present this analyses with:

Sadness, distress, and pain at heart when Christians in Juba see the violence which started as a political disagreement and power struggle between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Dr. Riak Machar has quickly spilled over into ethnic killings,  between brothers and sisters of Dinka and Nuer of the same SPLM Party and Army,,

The destructions carried out by them in Juba, Bor, Malakal and Bentiu  on human person, infrastructure, and Government installations, made the Church to think our history is an open wound that desperately needs healing.

Many experts, Diplomats, believe the crisis in SPLM Party will be resolved by South Sudanese through inclusive participation of all South Sudanese (Political Parties, Civil Society and faith communities)

IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government Communiqué of the 25^th Extra- Ordinary session dated 13^th March 2014 item 10. (Quote)

·         Reaffirms the need for an inclusive political dialogue and further call on the parties to include in the negotiations all South Sudanese Stakeholders particularly SPLM Leaders (Former Detainees) other political parties and representatives of CSOs as deemed necessary by the mediation process.  .

 Government delegation and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/ Army in Opposition began talks in Addis- Ababa from 14^th January 2014 and signed two Agreements:

1.    Agreement on cessation of hostilities,

2.     Agreement on the Status of the Detainees.

6^TH February 2014: 

Church delegation under the umbrella of South Sudan Council of Churches was sent to Addis- Ababa  accompanied by General Secretary of All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), Dr. Andrea Karamaga, Secretary of Africa Desk World Council of Churches (WCC) Dr. Nigussu Legessu to Convey Prophetic Message of the Church to African Union, IGAD Envoys,, Government of South Sudan, and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition on the senseless fighting between the SPLM members, and the position of the Church that fighting  must stop and   serious peace talks must begin.. 

This Situation analysis is an Independent analysis which is not influenced by any Political System or group; the analysis will cover:

1.    Role of the Church

2.    Background to the current crisis. (1991- 2005)

3.    Way Forward.

Role of the Church

The Church by reason of her role and competence is not identified with any political Community nor bound by ties to any political system. It is the sign and the safeguard of the transcendental dimension of human person.

Why Church   should get involved in the Peace Talks:

1. Ethical leadership:

·         The process of negotiations can sometimes degenerate into a political or ideological rivalry, where each party tries to gain the upper hand. If this happens, the root causes of the conflict can become lost. Churches are in good position to provide an independent position which will reflect the common good of all the views of the citizens of South Sudan and put pressure on the parties to accept the demands of the People to end the fighting immediately.

2. Non – partisan approach.

·         Churches and faith communities are usually not connected to any one or political parties. The Church is free, therefore can analyze and evaluate the positions of the conflicting parties without fear and favor, and to support or reject these proposals on the basis of fundamental values rather than party loyalties.

3.    Voice of the voiceless.

·         Not all South Sudanese will travel to Addis- Ababa to present their views to the IGAD Mediators Church is always the voice of the voiceless and can ensure that the voice of the people and their concerns are taken into the discussions. It is important for the IGAD Mediators, African Union to give absolutely every one opportunity to participate.

Have given this highlights, there will be no meaningful solution to the conflict if the root causes is not understood, the paper shall give highlights of the Background to the crisis.

. Background to the crisis.

Militia Groups:

.Government of Sudan  recruited  Militia groups in the Southern Sudan to fight a proxy war against the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A). These Militia groups were organized in:

Greater Upper Nile:

·         Under General Paolino Matip, General Gordon Koung, and General Gabriel Tanginya; with bases in Bentiu and Khartoum  Johnson Olony with the base in the West Nile Shilluk areas  Aywok Ogad: with the base in Northern Upper Nile – Manyo County

Greater Baher el Ghazal:

·         Fertit Militia under General Tom El Nur

·          Dinka Militia under General Abdel Bagi Ayii in Northern Baher El Ghazal.

Greater Equatoria:

·         (Commandos  Under General Clement Wani, with strong base in Central Equatoria

1991:

Split in Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement/Army.

 Dr. Riak Machar on 28^th August 1991 vide message no 299/8/99 declared that he had overthrown Dr. John Garang from the leadership of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army.

 Followers of Dr. Riak Machar and Dr. John Garang de - Mabior fought bitter war against each other which forced Dr. Riak Machar and his Group to sign Khartoum Peace Agreement in 1997. 

 According to the Khartoum Peace Agreement 1997 Dr. Riak Machar became the President of the Coordination Council of the ten (10) Southern States

2000 

Southern Sudanese Political Leaders through Sudan Council of Churches (SCC) put pressure on Dr. Riak Machar to rejoin the Movement and Reconcile with Dr. John Garang de- Mabior in the Interest of Southern Sudan, and to fight for the Right for self- determination. Dr. Riak Machar responded and rejoined SPLM / A. however No proper reconciliation process between Dr. John, and Dr. Riak and community of Bor was established and Dr. Riak Machar and his followers were not held accountable   for all the killings that took place as a result of the 1991 division in Bor and Jonglie State

Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) 2005

Government of Sudan (GOS) and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in 2005 signed Comprehensive Peace Agreement 2005 and according to the security arrangement Protocol no any militia group was allowed to operate in the Sudan. Militia groups were to choose to join Sudan Armed Forces or Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA)

Juba Declaration 2006:

Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army had conference in Juba and made Juba Declaration which according to the declaration Militia Groups were to be integrated into the Sudan People’s Liberation Army.

Blanket Amnesty:

 President of Republic  from  2006 issued number of  blanket Amnesty to all the Militia Groups.  All those who responded, were integrated into Sudan People’s Liberation Army with their ranks and allowed to be in charge of their forces which   remained not fully integrated into Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and majority of them were from Nuer ethnic community.

.Composition of   SPLM Party.

1.    Most of the Generals of Sudan People’s Liberation Army are members of the Party and chairpersons in the States and members of Political Bureau and National Liberation Council have strong grip on the Army and have private Armies loyal to them and not to the Nation.

2.    SPLM – Mainstream:

·         This is mostly composed of those who did not join Dr. Riak in 1991. They see

Themselves as historical leaders and the custodians of the Party and the victims since the death of Dr. John Garang in 2005 and been marginalized by the Leadership of President Salva Kiir Mayardiid.

3     November 2004 Group:

This group composed mainly of those who supported President Salva Kiir against Dr. John Garang during the dispute in 2004, majority are from  his loyal HQS Staff, and some of his close relatives and clansmen from Bahr el Ghazal.

4^th Group

·         ex. 1991 Nasir Group,  Anya- Anya 2 remnants,

·         National Congress Party Defectors

·          Opportunists who defect and rejoin so that they can be reincorporated with better ranks and positions.   

Current Crisis:

Dinka, supporters of President Salva Kiirr, Nuer supporters of Dr. Riak Machar killing themselves.

June 2013:

 Dr. Riak Machar Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and member of the Presidency, Vice Chairperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement Party (SPLM) openly began to criticize President Salva Kiir of the failure to Administer and manage the country properly, combats corruption, and stop culture of impunity in the Country.

 President  Salva Kiir reacted by withdrawing all the Presidential powers delegated by him to Dr. Riak  and   left him as Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and Deputy Chairperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement Party.

 Nuer Community and political leaders got disappointed and wanted to fight back but Dr. Riak Machar called for calm among his community.

July 23^rd 2013:

President dismissed the entire cabinet and the Vice President through Republican   Decrees:

·         No. 49/2013 which Relieved Dr. Riak Machar as the Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan.

·          No 50/2013 relieved all the National Ministers of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan.

·          Decree No 51/2013 relieved all the National Deputy Ministers.

·         The Chairperson’s Order N0 01/2013 suspended SPLM Secretary General and formed committee to investigate the SPLM Secretary General.

 All the dismissed Ministers most of them are SPLM/Army generals were all senior Sudan People’s Liberation Movement Party members.

 The removal of Dr. Riak Machar from the post of Vice President did not go well with Nuer ethnic group.  The situation became tense and all indicators were that there was going to be a fight between supporters of the President and that of the Vice President.

Killing of Traffic Police Officer:

·         Traffic Police Officer from Nuer ethnic community was killed in the Residence of the Minister Salva Mathok. Nuer community expected it was the work of the Dinka security guards in the residence of the Minister.

Killing of Custom Officer:

·         A young custom officer was killed and burnt in his car by unknown person whom Dinka believe it was the work of Nuer community and no one was found to have done the killing. 

August 2013:

·         The Dismissed Ministers called on the Chairperson of the Party to call for the meeting of the Political Bureau to draw agenda for the National Liberation Council which the President/ Chairperson of the Party did not accept and ordered the dissolution of the two structures of the Party (Political Bureau and National Liberation Council) that they have exceeded their mandate and terms of the Office.  .

·         The  dissolution of the two structures and the refusal of the Chairperson to call meeting of the Political Bureau made Dr. Riak Machar, Madam Rebecca Nyadeng and Pagan Amum  to announce their intentions to challenge President Salva Kiir by contesting for the position of the Chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement Party during National Convention and in 2015 to be the flag bearer of the SPLM Candidate for the post of the President of the Republic of South Sudan which was not well received by the Chairperson of the Party and his followers.. 

6^th December 2013:

·         Dr. Riak Machar and the Ex- Ministers gave a press conference in SPLM House in Juba called on the Chairperson of the Party to organize the National Liberation Council Conference and outlined the following problems in the SPLM Party.:

a)     Lack of democracy in the SPLM  Party,

b)     No  freedom of speech and press, 

c)     Building up of Parallel Army of 15,000 Republican Guards by the President from one tribe.

14^th December 2013:

·         Dr. Riak and ex- Ministers planned a public rally in Juba to address the public and   SPLM leadership also planned the National Liberation Council Conference on 14^th December 2013 conflicting with the plans of the group with Dr. Riak Machar. The Church leaders called on the President not to hold National Liberation Conference but the prophetic voice of the Church was ignored.  

·         National Liberation Council Conference opened on 14^th December 2013 as planned which forced the group with Dr. Riak Machar to call off the Public Rally to attend the National Liberation Council Conference.

·          His Grace Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro in opening session appealed to the Leadership of the SPLM for Reconciliation but the call was not taken into context.

·         Differences between the followers of the President and the Group with Dr. Riak Machar became more apparent and on Sunday the Group with Dr. Riak Machar boycotted the last sessions of the conference.

·          According to the Sources close to the SPLM Party President did not feel comfortable with the boycott of the Conference by the group and ordered that Presidential Guards from the Nuer Community be disarmed. The Nuer Community disobeyed the order to disarm.

 

15^th December 2013:

·         Residences of Juba were shocked to see brothers and sisters of the same Party Sudan People’s Liberation Movement Were killing each other in targeted manner which quickly slide into ethnic killings between Nuer and Dinka    in Juba, Bor, Malakal and Bentiu .

Intervention.

IGAD Heads of States:

Were quick to respond and called summit of the IGAD Heads of States   in Nairobi and called on both parties to call off the fighting and begin dialogue within four days.

African Union:

African Union called summit of all Heads of States to discuss the situation in Southern Sudan and resolved the matter must be quickly brought to an end. Republic of Uganda dispatched UPDF to support the Government of South Sudan against the coup.

African Union Security Council:

Called meeting of the Security Council to discuss the matter and approved to send 5,000 African Peace Keeping Force to South Sudan which up to the writing of this paper have not arrived South Sudan.

United Nation:

Secretary General, of United Nations called meeting of Security Council to discuss the situation in South Sudan and immediately approved sending of additional 6,000 Peace Keeping Forces to South Sudan making the total of 12,000 Peace Keeping Forces in South Sudan under UNMISS.

14^th January 2014:

The two parties (Sudan People’s Liberation Movement members in Government and SPLM/A in Opposition) Began peace talks   on 14^th January 2014 in Addis- Ababa and on 23^rd January 2014 signed two Agreements.

1.    Agreement on cessation of hostilities,

2.     Agreement on the Status of the Detainees.

However neither diplomatic pressure nor the IGAD and Africa Union efforts had any impact in restraining warring parties from fighting.

Way Forward:

The process should have three tracks:

Track 1:

·         should aim at stopping the fighting by the two Parties and allow the Negotiations  to precede otherwise no meaningful peace talks will take place while fighting is going on

·         Provide Humanitarian Aid to all the affected Areas.

Track ii:

Catholic Church supports items, 10 and 11 in Communiqué of the 25^th Extra- Ordinary session Of IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government dated 13^th March 2014. (Quote)

·         “Reaffirms the need for an inclusive political dialogue and further call on the parties to include in the negotiations all South Sudanese Stakeholders particularly SPLM Leaders (Former Detainees) other political parties and representatives of CSOs as deemed necessary by the mediation process”.  .

 Draft Agenda Two of Phase 11 of IGAD- led South Sudan Mediation Process

·         Declaration of Principles (D.O.P)

Governance and Democracy

·          Sudan have tried highly centralized system that have failed. Tried Decentralized that have brought more trouble. People of Southern Sudan 1955 called for  (Federal System of Government but Government of Sudan refused to implement, time has come to consider introducing Federal System in Republic of South Sudan to address the issue of Tribal/Ethnic imbalances).

Track iii:

·         Political Dialogue towards National Reconciliation and Healing

“Let us Re-found our nation on a new covenant”

·         “At this time more than ever the bold prophetic Voice of the Church needs to be heard We have been shocked by the events that have rocked our new nation since  15^th December 2013,

·         We have witnessed things that should never have taken place on the soil of this nation, as brother fought against brother, leading to so much unnecessary death and displacement of individuals and communities with many fleeing as refugees to neighboring countries, and the most appalling destructions.

·          We cannot remain silent in the face of what we have witnessed and heard. We speak on behalf of those who have spoken to us

Catholic Bishops of Sudan/ South Sudan statement on 31^st January 2014: