USAID/OTI Sudan Field Report
February 2003
Program Description
Since 1983, an estimated two million Sudanese have died as a result of the protracted conflict, drought and famine. In the past year, however, several positive developments within Sudan have occurred, providing new opportunities to finally resolve Africa's longest war and move the country to a lasting peace. In addition to several successful local level people-to-people peace processes, the Government of Sudan (GOS) and the Southern Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) appear on the verge of a peace agreement for which significant high-level U.S. government engagement is credited. OTI plans to link ongoing southern Sudanese peace processes and peace-building efforts to initiatives that promote good governance practices to increase the participation of southern Sudanese in their governing structures. OTI's program focuses on critical transition issues in Southern Sudan, such as increasing access to balanced information, promoting good governance, providing conflict resolution expertise in areas vulnerable to violence, and supporting people-to-people peace processes.
OTI's program in south Sudan conducts activities in the following areas:
- Independent Southern Sudan Media: Given the high levels of illiteracy, radio is the most effective vehicle for relaying information about the community, education and training, and for conveying information related to governance and the peace process. As a result, OTI will help establish media outlets in Southern Sudan.
- Conflict Resolution Mechanism and Tangible Peace Dividends: Proposed OTI activities in this area will include timely transport of respected local and international conflict resolution experts to areas vulnerable to conflict, and the provision of tangible peace dividends to bring communities together to secure local level peace agreements.
- Good Governance: Initial OTI efforts to improve governance and strengthen the relationship between leaders and citizens will have two components: supporting the development of the rule of law by increasing the independence and effectiveness of the judiciary, and increasing support to local non-governmental organizations.
COUNTRY SITUATION
Government-backed southern militias conducted an offensive in Upper Nile, capturing the city of Akobo, killing twenty individuals and threatening the on-going peace negotiations between the SPLM and the GOS. In response, a strengthened cessation of hostilities agreement was signed by both parties. The Addendum to the original cease-fire agreement specifically called on the Government to halt construction of a contentious oil-area road, and on both sides to pull back forces to the locations they occupied prior to the signing of the original cease-fire. The Civilian Protection Monitoring Team (CPMT) will monitor and verify the cessation of hostilities.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which codified points of agreement on outstanding issues of power and wealth sharing, was signed on February 6, 2003. The MOU stated that complete agreement had been reached on a constitutional review process, the establishment of independent and national institutions, and the undertaking of a national referendum before elections are held in six years, and that significant agreement had been reached on the structure of government entities. As part of the MOU, both sides to the conflict agreed to report on any changes in troop movement and military positions that took place after October 17, 2002, the date of the cease-fire agreement, and to negotiate based on the positions held at that time.
In Western Darfur, a new rebel group, the Front for the Liberation of Darfur (FLD) attacked government positions and seized control of a provincial capital. Little is known about the group, although its stated goal is to eradicate the injustice and marginalization of Darfur. The effect of the new rebel movement on the on-going peace talks remains unclear, although the Sudanese government disavowed the group, characterizing its members as "not rebels but bandits" in statements to the press.
The next round of talks are scheduled to start again on March 4, with the disputed transitional areas of Abyei, Nuba Mountains, and Southern Blue Nile leading the agenda. While considered part of the geographic north of Sudan, these areas remain marginalized from Khartoum and have identified with the south's struggle. The Government of Sudan has stated on prior occasions that the final status of these transitional areas cannot be addressed in the IGAD peace process. On March 22, the negotiations will shift emphasis to the power and wealth-sharing arrangements of an agreement. Hopes remain high that a negotiated settlement will be reached by June. Chief mediator Kenyan General Lazaro Sumbeiywo remarked in February that "...peace in the Sudan is within reach."
HIGHLIGHTS
A. Narrative Summary
During February, OTI remained busy with start-up activities for the Sudan program. A three-person team deployed to Nairobi to initiate activities for the OTI Sudan program. The team worked with the USAID/REDSO Mission in Nairobi to establish offices. Given the current security situation in Sudan, it is not possible for USAID to open offices within south Sudan. As a result, the OTI team will be based in Nairobi with the expectation to travel into Sudan as much as possible. The team also met with other international organizations, potential local partners, donors, and Sudanese stakeholders to discuss opportunities to collaborate on programming.
OTI staff, both in the field and in Washington, also worked on finalizing the procurement of an implementing partner to establish a radio service for south Sudan. The Fall 2002 USAID/OTI assessment team determined that a lack of access to information in southern Sudan, particularly regarding the on-going national peace process, remains a significant problem.
OTI also participated in the USAID Sudan program Integrated Strategic Planning (ISP) process in February. The strategy will emphasize improving governance, providing support to the peaces process, enhancing food security, and expanding access to basic social services in the health and education sectors in Sudan. OTI programming will support and jumpstart some of the activities envisioned under USAID's longer-term strategic objectives.
NEXT STEPS/IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES
OTI continues work on contracting an implementing partner for its small grants program in Southern Sudan. The organization will administer a small grants program focused on conflict resolution and strengthening governance at all levels. OTI is also in the process of hiring a permanent Country Representative who should be in Nairobi by April. OTI's media implementing partner, Educational Development Center, will deploy a team to start the radio service in April 2003.
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