Kisumu Meeting: Strategic Linkages II: Kisumu Declaration and the NSCC Statement

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Country/entity: South Sudan
Sudan
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: Kisumu Meeting: Strategic Linkages II: Kisumu Declaration and the NSCC Statement
Date: 26 Jun 2001
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Sudan Conflicts (1955 - )
Agreements relate to several distinct dyads, and also the negotiated independence of South Sudan, and subsequent internal conflict in South Sudan. Sudan-South Sudan. The long-standing conflict between the north and the south of the country dates back to colonial times, where the British introduced a so-called ‘Southern Policy’, severely hampering population movements between these big regions. Immediately after gaining independence in 1956, southern movements started to fight for independence; this fight became professionalised in 1983 with the foundation of the soon internationally supported Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). When the Islamic Front government introduced strict sharia laws in the south after it took over power in 1988 the war intensified. A decade later, the military situation reached a stalemate, enabling internationally facilitated peace negotiations to begin in 1997. After more fighting, a final negotiation push began in 2002, leading to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Areement (CPA) in January 2005.

Sudan-South Sudan post referendum. South Sudan became independent in July 2011; since then, relations between the two countries are complicated and violent conflict led by the SPLM (North) in the Sudanese Nuba mountains region has since intensified.

Darfur. Other long-standing violent conflicts are in the east and the west of the country. In the east, the Beja Congress, established in 1957, is the spearhead of a currently ‘peaceful’ opposition movement. In the west, the violent conflict in Darfur intensified in the early 2000s and rapidly gained international attention, even resulting in genocide charges against leading figures of the Sudanese government. The situation on the ground is complex, with over a dozen organisations (most notably the Sudanese Liberation Movement and the Justice and Equality Movement) fighting the Sudanese government and allied groups like the Janjaweed – although all parties have switched sides on numerous occasions. Several mediation attempts have not been successful, due to the shaky commitment of the Sudanese central government and the distrust among the armed opposition.

South Sudan - internal
In December 2013, after president Salva Kiir accused opposition leader Riek Machar of attempting a coup, violent conflict broke out between government forces of the SPLM/A and anti-governmental groups. In addition, several other political militias as well as communal militias have joined the conflict. In 2015 the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS) was signed. Due to unsuccessful implementation the agreement was revitalized in 2018. In September 2019, Kiir and Machar agreed to establish a power-sharing government after struggles on forming a unity transitional government.
Stage: Framework/substantive - partial
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Sudanese (North-South) peace process
Parties: Not signed. The New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC), which organised the conference in Kisumu, listed the following participants: traditional leaders, elders, women's representatives, political leaders and civil society organisations.
Third parties: -
Description: Traditional leaders and civil society representatives gathered in Kisumu, for a conference organised by the New Sudan Council of Churches, to call for an end to the conflict in Sudan and agree on core principles for the post-conflict political settlement.

Agreement document: SD_010626_Kisumu Meeting_Strategic Linkages II_Kisumu Declaration and the NSCC Statement (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: Groups→Children/youth→Rhetorical
The participants of the Kisumu Conference resolve that:
...
6. The NSCC should:
...
ii. Ensure that youth are wholly represented in the process.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: The participants of the Kisumu Conference resolve that:
...
6. The NSCC should:
...
i. Ensure that women are empowered and have an active voice at all levels of the people-to-people peace process in acknowledgement of their importance in the formation of values and historical exclusion.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: The participants of the Kisumu Conference affirm that:
...
2. Self-determination is the central objective of the people’s liberation struggle.
a. This inalienable right of self-determination should be exercised through internationally supervised referendums for all marginalized areas struggling for liberation as mentioned above.
...
c. Common commitment to self-determination should be a unifying factor for everyone involved in the struggle for liberation.
The participants of the Kisumu Conference resolve that:
...
7. The International community should:
...
c. Continue support for the IGAD-facilitated peace negotiations, which should be expanded to include other opposition forces fighting for the right of self-determination and voices from civil society, and remain based on the declaration of principles (DOP), which affirms the right of self-determination.
Referendum: The participants of the Kisumu Conference affirm that:
...
a. This inalienable right of self-determination should be exercised through internationally supervised referendums for all marginalized areas struggling for liberation as mentioned above.
b. There should be an extensive program of civic education in preparation for the referendum
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: The participants of the Kisumu Conference affirm that:
1. Liberation is the common and prime agenda for people of southern Sudan (including Abyei), Nuba Mountains, and South Blue Nile and that it is the people who are at the centre of the liberation struggle.
2. Self-determination is the central objective of the people’s liberation struggle.
a. This inalienable right of self-determination should be exercised through internationally supervised referendums for all marginalized areas struggling for liberation as mentioned above.
...
c. Common commitment to self-determination should be a unifying factor for everyone involved in the struggle for liberation.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: The participants of the Kisumu Conference resolve that:
3. All movements should:
...
b. Establish peace desks in collaboration with civil society organizations, coordinate and share information amongst themselves, and maintain close contact with the NSCC
4. The SPLM should:
a. Clarify its position particularly in blocking participation of civilian participants to this conference vis-a-vis the National Convention (1994), Civil Society Conference (1996) and the SPLM/A-Church Dialogue (1997), and the democratic positions espoused in these documents concerning freedom of movement and assembly.
...
a. With facilitation of NSCC, bring together leaders of SSLM and SPDF to establish a framework for unity and peace.
6. The NSCC should:
...
c. Fully involve all elements of civil society in the process of reconciliation and unification.
...
d. Encourage grass-root dialogue, forming community peace committees that should be morally supported by the various political movements.
...
i. Engage more fully regional churches and church councils, including FECCLAHA, in the peace process.
...
l. In collaboration with the donor community, international organizations on the ground, and other elements of civil society, fully implement the recommendations and resolutions of previous conferences.
...
o. Expand and strengthen Radio Voice of Hope to support the people-to-people peace process, and encompass civic messages and education.
7. The International community should:
...
c. Continue support for the IGAD-facilitated peace negotiations, which should be expanded to include other opposition forces fighting for the right of self-determination and voices from civil society, and remain based on the declaration of principles (DOP), which affirms the right of self-determination.
d. Continue to support the NSCC in the implementation of the people-to-people peace process through continued funding of activities and capacity development support.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: No specific mention.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Slavery
7. The International community should:
...
The conference participants believe firmly that:
...
9. The practice of enslavement and trade in human beings must be condemned and halted by all elements of Sudanese society and the international community.
Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Freedom of movement
The participants of the Kisumu Conference resolve that:
...
4. The SPLM should:
a. Clarify its position particularly in blocking participation of civilian participants to this conference vis-a-vis the National Convention (1994), Civil Society Conference (1996) and the SPLM/A-Church Dialogue (1997), and the democratic positions espoused in these documents concerning freedom of movement and assembly.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: No specific mention.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: Rights related issues→Protection measures→Protection of civilians
The participants of the Kisumu Conference resolve that:
...
4. The SPLM should:
...
b. Take appropriate actions to prevent those Nuer who join SPLM/A from attacking their own people
...
7. The International community should:
...
b. Establish an internationally supervised military no-fly zone covering southern Sudan, the Nuba Mountains, and Southern Blue Nile to prevent aerial bombardment of civilians.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Humanitarian assistance
The participants of the Kisumu Conference resolve that:
...
7. The International community should:
a. Respond to the humanitarian tragedy in all parts of southern Sudan, the Nuba Mountains, and South Blue Nile.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: The participants of the Kisumu Conference resolve that:
...
7. The International community should:
...
e. Bring pressure to bear on international oil companies to cease oil exploration and exploitation until there is a comprehensive and just peace agreement.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: No specific mention.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→General commitments
The participants of the Kisumu Conference resolve that:
3. All movements should:
a. Immediately cease hostilities amongst themselves and commit to open dialogue to resolve political differences.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: The participants of the Kisumu Conference resolve that:
...
4. The SPLM should:
a. Clarify its position particularly in blocking participation of civilian participants to this conference vis-a-vis the National Convention (1994), Civil Society Conference (1996) and the SPLM/A-Church Dialogue (1997), and the democratic positions espoused in these documents concerning freedom of movement and assembly.
b. Take appropriate actions to prevent those Nuer who join SPLM/A from attacking their own people
...
a. With facilitation of NSCC, bring together leaders of SSLM and SPDF to establish a framework for unity and peace.
6. The NSCC should:
a. Continue and strengthen dialogue with SPLM in a timely manner to bring it and the people in the areas under its control back into the people-to-people peace process.
...
This process should begin with SPLM and SPDF, but they should not prevent progress with all other movements.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: No specific mention.

STRATEGIC LINKAGES II:

KISUMU, KENYA, JUNE 16- 23,2001

KISUMU DECLARATION

The participants of the Kisumu Conference affirm that:

1. Liberation is the common and prime agenda for people of southern Sudan (including Abyei), Nuba Mountains, and South Blue Nile and that it is the people who are at the centre of the liberation struggle.

2. Self-determination is the central objective of the people’s liberation struggle.

a. This inalienable right of self-determination should be exercised through internationally supervised referendums for all marginalized areas struggling for liberation as mentioned above.

b. There should be an extensive program of civic education in preparation for the referendum

c. Common commitment to self-determination should be a unifying factor for everyone involved in the struggle for liberation.

The participants of the Kisumu Conference resolve that:

3. All movements should:

a. Immediately cease hostilities amongst themselves and commit to open dialogue to resolve political differences.

b. Establish peace desks in collaboration with civil society organizations, coordinate and share information amongst themselves, and maintain close contact with the NSCC

4. The SPLM should:

a. Clarify its position particularly in blocking participation of civilian participants to this conference vis-a-vis the National Convention (1994), Civil Society Conference (1996) and the SPLM/A-Church Dialogue (1997), and the democratic positions espoused in these documents concerning freedom of movement and assembly.

b. Take appropriate actions to prevent those Nuer who join SPLM/A from attacking their own people

5. The Nuer community should:

a. With facilitation of NSCC, bring together leaders of SSLM and SPDF to establish a framework for unity and peace.

6. The NSCC should:

a. Continue and strengthen dialogue with SPLM in a timely manner to bring it and the people in the areas under its control back into the people-to-people peace process.

b. Organize individual meetings with all the movement leaders to establish the foundation for another inclusive meeting on the peace process.

This process should begin with SPLM and SPDF, but they should not prevent progress with all other movements.

c. Fully involve all elements of civil society in the process of reconciliation and unification.

i. Ensure that women are empowered and have an active voice at all levels of the people-to-people peace process in acknowledgement of their importance in the formation of values and historical exclusion.

ii. Ensure that youth are wholly represented in the process.

d. Encourage grass-root dialogue, forming community peace committees that should be morally supported by the various political movements.

The grassroots process should remain independent from the movements.

e. Review the talks held in 1991-92 to reconcile the split between the Torit and Nasir factions, to ascertain whether the reasons for failure of negotiations are still valid.

f. Develop conceptual framework for southern unity in dialogue with the movements.

g. Ensure that Equatoria is encouraged and facilitated to participate fully in the people-to-people peace process.

h. Maintain and protect its neutrality, independence from political interference, and spiritual growth and strengthen its capacity to lead the process and manage complex issues.

i. Engage more fully regional churches and church councils, including FECCLAHA, in the peace process.

j. Ensure that all participants in the people-to-people peace process should have an accurate written record with consistent high quality translations so that all groups are able to present an accurate, detailed, and unified message to their constituencies.

k. Assume responsibility for all levels of people to people process through:

i. Improved field-based monitoring, reporting and evaluation

ii. Establishment of early warning mechanisms

iii. Sensitization of local populations

iv. Establishment of mechanisms to sustain peace (including common services at borders)

l. In collaboration with the donor community, international organizations on the ground, and other elements of civil society, fully implement the recommendations and resolutions of previous conferences.

m. Immediately implement the planned Nuer-Nuer peace conferences and actively support the Nuer Peace Committee.

n. Provide in conjunction with others organizations appropriate peace and conflict management training.

o. Expand and strengthen Radio Voice of Hope to support the people-to-people peace process, and encompass civic messages and education.

7. The International community should:

a. Respond to the humanitarian tragedy in all parts of southern Sudan, the Nuba Mountains, and South Blue Nile.

b. Establish an internationally supervised military no-fly zone covering southern Sudan, the Nuba Mountains, and Southern Blue Nile to prevent aerial bombardment of civilians.

c. Continue support for the IGAD-facilitated peace negotiations, which should be expanded to include other opposition forces fighting for the right of self-determination and voices from civil society, and remain based on the declaration of principles (DOP), which affirms the right of self-determination.

d. Continue to support the NSCC in the implementation of the people-to-people peace process through continued funding of activities and capacity development support.

e. Bring pressure to bear on international oil companies to cease oil exploration and exploitation until there is a comprehensive and just peace agreement.

f. Provide support to start the campaign against HIV/ADIS.

The conference participants believe firmly that:

8. All elements of southern Sudanese society must recognize the dire threat that HIV/AIDS poses and must take measures to prevent it.

9. The practice of enslavement and trade in human beings must be condemned and halted by all elements of Sudanese society and the international community.

10. This conference wishes to extend its thanks to the Kenya government and the people of Kisumu.

Strategic Linkages 2

Kisumu, Kenya, 16th-22nd June 2001

NSCC Statement

Unity of purpose, unity of effort, unity of ideals;

these words sum up the spirit of Strategic Linkages 2.

This conference, held in Kisumu, Kenya from 16th to 22nd June 2001 at the request of Sudanese traditional leaders, was part of the people-to-people peace and reconciliation process facilitated by the New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC).

It brought together more than 200 traditional leaders, elders and women from Sudan with representatives of civil society, politicians from the diaspora and members of southern political movements.

The purpose and objectives of this conference were to provide a forum for all actors in the Sudan to convene and for all their voices to be heard, to promote dialogue and look for consensus for a way forward, and to consolidate the achievements of the people-to-people peace process.

There were participants from a broad range of backgrounds, regions, and organisations in Sudan and the diaspora including more than 50 traditional chiefs, elders and women from southern Sudan.

Embassies, donor partners and other international organisations attended the entire conference as observers and witnessed the Kisumu Declaration.

NSCC invited all southern political movements to this important meeting.

The SPLM/A declined our invitation and physically blocked participation of citizens — including traditional and church leaders — in areas under SPLM/A control.

We regret their non-cooperation but look forward to working constructively with all factions, movements and political leaders, including the SPLM/A, to forward justice and peace in southern Sudan.

We suggest that any questions on the involvement or non-involvement of any factions or movements be addressed directly to them.

The Kisumu Declaration, containing the resolutions of the conference, is attached.

An immediate outcome of the conference was a request for a one-day meeting for the Nuer participants to explore and resolve their internal differences.

This was implemented without delay in Kisumu on 23rd June 2001, with more than 70 participants from 12 Nuer ethnic groups.

Their resolutions are also attached.

NSCC

26th June 2001

Contact:

Telar Deng, NSCC, peacedesk@swiftkenya.com