The Chairperson of the African Union Commission urges the leaders and people of Sudan to rise to the challenge of the 2011 referendum on the self-determination of South Sudan.
NEW YORK, September 27, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ — A high-level international meeting on Sudan was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 24 September 2010, on the sidelines of the ongoing 65th Ordinary Session of the UN General Assembly. Convened by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon to review the situation in the Sudan, 107 days ahead of the crucial referendum on the self-determination of South Sudan. The meeting was attended by several Heads of State and Government, including the President of Malawi and Chairperson of the African Union, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chairman of IGAD, the Presidents of Gabon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda, the US President, as well as High Level officials from several other countries and representatives of regional and international organisations. The Sudanese delegation was headed by Vice President Ali Osman Taha, and First Vice President and President of the Government of South Sudan , Salva Kiir Mayardit.
The participants expressed strong support to both Sudan and South Sudan and confirmed the
commitment to respect the outcome of a credible referendum and to assist the Sudanese
achieve sustainable peace throughout Sudan in the post-referendum period.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Jean Ping urged the leaders and people
of Sudan to rise to the historic challenge of organising a legitimate and credible referendum on
the self-determination of South Sudan. He reiterated the view that the primary responsibility to
find lasting solutions to the crises in Sudan rests with the Sudanese people, and called on them
to boldly meet the challenge of renewing their nation.
“The success or failure of all the efforts deployed depends on the Sudanese,” he stated. “The
international community is duty-bound to sincerely offer all necessary support, while bearing in
mind that it cannot take the place of the Sudanese people.” Dr. Ping further underscored the
regional and international importance of the 2011 referendum in Sudan.
“The decisions which will be made by the Sudanese and the manner of their implementation will
have repercussions on the entire African continent. Sudan is a crossroads, a point of
convergence between East, West and North Africa, as well as between Muslims and Christians.
If the last phase of the implementation process of the CPA is peaceful, orderly and credible,
Sudan will serve as an example and further proof that Africa is capable of finding effective
solutions to its problems.”, the Chairperson underscored.
The Chairperson pledged the support and solidarity of Africa with the Sudanese at this historic
moment, and cited as proof the presence of thousands of African peacekeeping troops in
Sudan, within the framework of the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) and the United
Nations/African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). He also pointed to the creation and work of
the AU High-Level Implementation Panel headed by President Thabo Mbeki, as a concrete
demonstration of Africa’s commitment to facilitate the conclusion of the ongoing peace process
in Sudan.
Besides the referendum, the Chairperson highlighted other important challenges that must be
met in Sudan within the next few months, including the demarcation of the North-South border,
the settlement of the dispute over Abyei, the organisation of elections in South Kodofan and the
Blue Nile, and the finalisation of negotiations on post-referendum issues.
With regard to Darfur, Dr. Ping described UNAMID – the AU/UN hybrid mission in Darfur as a
unique and novel experience in the partnership between the African Union and United Nations
and the visible demonstration of their common commitment to help put an end to the suffering of
the people of Darfur. He paid tribute to UNAMID Leadership and the entire Peacekeeping
Mission for the excellent work they are doing on the ground.
He congratulated Qatar for its commitment and persistence in the quest for peace in Darfur, as
evidenced by the Doha Talks between the GoS and Darfur rebel Movements, and renewed his
support for the efforts of the AU/UN Joint Chief Negotiator, Djibril Basolé.
However, Dr. Ping noted with regret that these efforts had so far achieved tangible progress: the
positions of the parties remain far apart and inclusive talks have not yet begun. He reminded all
parties that the people of Darfur have clearly expressed their wish to be represented in an
inclusive political process culminating in a comprehensive peace agreement.
SOURCE
African Union Commission (AUC)
