First Meeting of the Political Committee Between the Government of Sudan and the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement/Army

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Country/entity: Sudan
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: First Meeting of the Political Committee Between the Government of Sudan and the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement/Army
Date: 20 Jan 2000
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: Head of Delegation Government of Sudan;
Head of Delegation Sudanese People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A).
Third parties: Special Envoy IGAD Secretariat on Peace in Sudan.
Description: The government of Sudan and the SPLM/A met to establish key points of agreement and difference about the post-conflict political settlement in Sudan.

Agreement document: SD_000120_First Meeting of the Political Committee between the government of Sudan and the SPLM (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: Groups→Racial/ethnic/national group→Rhetorical
COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND POINTS OF DIFFERENCE
...
The parties agree that:
...
DOP 3:
...
DOP 3.1 The parties agree that the Sudan is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural society, and affirm their recognition and the need to accommodate these diversities.
...
In recognition of the multi-religious, multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-national character of the Sudan, the SPLM/A calls for the separation of state and religion;
Religious groups: Groups→Religious groups→Rhetorical
COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND POINTS OF DIFFERENCE
...
The parties agree that:
...
DOP 3:
...
DOP 3.1 The parties agree that the Sudan is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural society, and affirm their recognition and the need to accommodate these diversities.
...
In recognition of the multi-religious, multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-national character of the Sudan, the SPLM/A calls for the separation of state and religion;
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: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND POINTS OF DIFFERENCE
...
The parties agree that:
...
DOP 3:
The parties agree in principle to maintain the unity of the Sudan.
The SPLM/A maintain, however, that the unity is conditioned to the separation of state and religion during the interim period and the outcome of the referendum on the right of self-determination.
The GOS contend that Unity of Sudan is not contingent on the issue of the separation of state and religion and administration, and that these are issues that may be negotiated.
DOP 3.1 The parties agree that the Sudan is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural society, and affirm their recognition and the need to accommodate these diversities.
DOP 3.2 The parties agree that complete political and social equalities of all peoples of the Sudan shall be guaranteed by law.
...
In recognition of the multi-religious, multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-national character of the Sudan, the SPLM/A calls for the separation of state and religion;
State configuration: COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND POINTS OF DIFFERENCE
...
The parties agree that:
...
DOP 3:
...
The GOS contend that Unity of Sudan is not contingent on the issue of the separation of state and religion and administration, and that these are issues that may be negotiated.
...
DOP 3.3 On the issue of self-administration, the GOS prefers federation whereas SPLM/A prefers confederation.
The SPLM/A is not concerned with labels but rather with the substance and not withstanding its preference for a confederation, it has no objection to any arrangement during the interim period that guarantees:
state and religion are separated
The equitable representation at all the National Institutions of all the entities making up the union.
...
The SPLM/A reiterated its previous position on constitutional separation of state and religion.
In recognition of the multi-religious, multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-national character of the Sudan, the SPLM/A calls for the separation of state and religion;
and therefore no single religion shall be made a state religion or a source of laws.
The constitution and the laws must remain secular and all organs and institutions of the state shall be neutral on religion.
Self determination: COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND POINTS OF DIFFERENCE
...
The parties agree that:
...
DOP 2:
The parties agree that the right of self-determination of the people of Southern Sudan to determine their future status through a referendum must be affirmed.
The parties agree to the exercise of self-determination of the people of Southern Sudan as of the borders of 01/01/56.
The GOS contend that Abyei is not part of Southern Sudan but the position of Abyei may be discussed.
The GOS does not accept that Southern Kordofan and Southern Blue Nile are part of South Sudan and hence self-determination is not relevant.
With regard to-Abyei, the SPLM/A shall respect the will and the wish of the people of Abyei through a referendum whether to be part of Southern Sudan or remain in the North.
The Dinka Ngok people and the territory of Abyei shall therefore be administered as part of Southern Sudan.
The SPLM view that the right of self-determination should be affirmed to the people of Southern Kordofan and Southern Blue Nile.
However, this case shall be further explored at the commencement of the Transitional Committee.
DOP 3:
...
The SPLM/A maintain, however, that the unity is conditioned to the separation of state and religion during the interim period and the outcome of the referendum on the right of self-determination.
Referendum: COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND POINTS OF DIFFERENCE
...
The parties agree that:
...
DOP 2:
The parties agree that the right of self-determination of the people of Southern Sudan to determine their future status through a referendum must be affirmed.
...
With regard to-Abyei, the SPLM/A shall respect the will and the wish of the people of Abyei through a referendum whether to be part of Southern Sudan or remain in the North.
...
DOP 3:
...
The SPLM/A maintain, however, that the unity is conditioned to the separation of state and religion during the interim period and the outcome of the referendum on the right of self-determination.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND POINTS OF DIFFERENCE
...
The parties agree that:
...
DOP 2:
The parties agree that the right of self-determination of the people of Southern Sudan to determine their future status through a referendum must be affirmed.
The parties agree to the exercise of self-determination of the people of Southern Sudan as of the borders of 01/01/56.
The GOS contend that Abyei is not part of Southern Sudan but the position of Abyei may be discussed.
The GOS does not accept that Southern Kordofan and Southern Blue Nile are part of South Sudan and hence self-determination is not relevant.
With regard to-Abyei, the SPLM/A shall respect the will and the wish of the people of Abyei through a referendum whether to be part of Southern Sudan or remain in the North.
The Dinka Ngok people and the territory of Abyei shall therefore be administered as part of Southern Sudan.
The SPLM view that the right of self-determination should be affirmed to the people of Southern Kordofan and Southern Blue Nile.
However, this case shall be further explored at the commencement of the Transitional Committee.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND POINTS OF DIFFERENCE
...
The parties agree that:
...
DOP 2:
...
The parties agree to the exercise of self-determination of the people of Southern Sudan as of the borders of 01/01/56.
The GOS contend that Abyei is not part of Southern Sudan but the position of Abyei may be discussed.
The GOS does not accept that Southern Kordofan and Southern Blue Nile are part of South Sudan and hence self-determination is not relevant.
With regard to-Abyei, the SPLM/A shall respect the will and the wish of the people of Abyei through a referendum whether to be part of Southern Sudan or remain in the North.
The Dinka Ngok people and the territory of Abyei shall therefore be administered as part of Southern Sudan.
The SPLM view that the right of self-determination should be affirmed to the people of Southern Kordofan and Southern Blue Nile.
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: No specific mention.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: Governance→Constitution→Constitutional reform/making
COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND POINTS OF DIFFERENCE
...
The parties agree that:
...
DOP 3:
...
The GOS agreed that the agreement reached shall be enshrined in the constitution.
The SPLM/A agreed that the understanding that will be reached shall be the basis of the new constitution during the Interim Period.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: Power sharing→Economic power sharing→Sharing of resources
COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND POINTS OF DIFFERENCE
...
The parties agree that:
...
DOP 3:
...
DOP 3.5: The parties agree that appropriate and fair sharing of wealth among the various peoples of the Sudan must be realized.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND POINTS OF DIFFERENCE
...
The parties agree that:
...
DOP 3:
...
DOP 3.1 The parties agree that the Sudan is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural society, and affirm their recognition and the need to accommodate these diversities.
DOP 3.2 The parties agree that complete political and social equalities of all peoples of the Sudan shall be guaranteed by law.
...
DOP 3.6: The parties agree that human right as internationally recognized, shall form part and parcel of this arrangement.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Equality
COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND POINTS OF DIFFERENCE
...
The parties agree that:
...
DOP 3:
...
DOP 3.1 The parties agree that the Sudan is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural society, and affirm their recognition and the need to accommodate these diversities.
Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Thought, opinion, conscience and religion
COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND POINTS OF DIFFERENCE
...
The parties agree that:
...
DOP 3:
...
DOP 3.4 The GOS view is that no legislation shall adversely affect the religious right of any citizen.
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: No specific mention.
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: COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND POINTS OF DIFFERENCE
...
The parties agree that:
...
DOP 3:
...
DOP 3.7: The parties agree that the independence of the Judiciary shall be enshrined in the constitution and laws of the Sudan.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND POINTS OF DIFFERENCE
...
The parties agree that:
...
DOP 3:
...
On the issue of the source of law, the view of the GOS is that Sharia, custom and the consensus of the nation shall be the sources of legislation.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: No specific mention.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
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: No specific mention.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
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.

IGAD SECRETARIAT ON PEACE IN SUDAN

FIRST MEETING OF THE POLITICAL COMMITTEE BETWEEN GOVERNMENT OF SUDAN AND THE SUDANESE PEOPLE’S LIBERATION MOVEMENT/ARMY

Nairobi

15th – 20th January, 2000

List of Delegates

Envoys – IGAD Secretariat

AMBASSADOR DANIEL R. MBOYA SPECIAL ENVOY

H.E. MR.

FRANCIS BUTAGIRA ENVOY – UGANDA

HE. MR.

TESHOME TOGA ENVOY - ETHIOPIA

HE. MR.

GHIRMAI GHEBREMARIAM ENVOY - ERITREA

MR. AHMED ISSA GABOBE ENVOY - DJIBOUTI

MR. MOHAMED S. OMAR CO-ORDINATING SEC.

Government of Sudan

HON. DR.

NAFIE ALI NAFIE HEAD OF DELEGATION

HON. DR.

MUTRIF SIDDIQ ALI

HON. MRS.

AGNES PONI LUKUDU

AMB. MUTHIANG MALUAL MABUR

JOSEPH NEWAK

KHUDHI ALIMAHADI

ABDALLA DENG

ABDULRAHMAN IBRAHIM

MR. DIRDIRI

Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement/Army

MR. NHIAL DENG NHIAL HEAD OF DELEGATION

MR. DENG ALOR KUOL

DR. JUSTIN YAAC AROP

DR. ELUZAL MOGGA YOKWE

MR. MARTIN OHURO OKERRUK

ELIJAH MALOK ALENG

RAPPORTEURS — IGAD.SECRETARIAT

MRS. F.W. KEIRU

MS. LYDIA A. ABURA

MR. MOHAMED A. GUYO ASST.

TO SPECIAL ENVOY

COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND POINTS OF DIFFERENCE

DOP 1:

The parties reiterate their commitment to the peaceful resolution of the conflict under the auspices of the IGAD Peace Process based on the Declaration of Principles (DOP).

The parties agree that:

1.1 The history and nature of the Sudan conflict demonstrate that a military solution cannot bring lasting peace and stability to the country.

1.2 A peaceful and just political solution must be the common objective of the parties to the conflict.

DOP 2:

The parties agree that the right of self-determination of the people of Southern Sudan to determine their future status through a referendum must be affirmed.

The parties agree to the exercise of self-determination of the people of Southern Sudan as of the borders of 01/01/56.

The GOS contend that Abyei is not part of Southern Sudan but the position of Abyei may be discussed.

The GOS does not accept that Southern Kordofan and Southern Blue Nile are part of South Sudan and hence self-determination is not relevant.

With regard to-Abyei, the SPLM/A shall respect the will and the wish of the people of Abyei through a referendum whether to be part of Southern Sudan or remain in the North.

The Dinka Ngok people and the territory of Abyei shall therefore be administered as part of Southern Sudan.

The SPLM view that the right of self-determination should be affirmed to the people of Southern Kordofan and Southern Blue Nile.

However, this case shall be further explored at the commencement of the Transitional Committee.

DOP 3:

The parties agree in principle to maintain the unity of the Sudan.

The SPLM/A maintain, however, that the unity is conditioned to the separation of state and religion during the interim period and the outcome of the referendum on the right of self-determination.

The GOS contend that Unity of Sudan is not contingent on the issue of the separation of state and religion and administration, and that these are issues that may be negotiated.

DOP 3.1 The parties agree that the Sudan is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural society, and affirm their recognition and the need to accommodate these diversities.

DOP 3.2 The parties agree that complete political and social equalities of all peoples of the Sudan shall be guaranteed by law.

DOP 3.3 On the issue of self-administration, the GOS prefers federation whereas SPLM/A prefers confederation.

The SPLM/A is not concerned with labels but rather with the substance and not withstanding its preference for a confederation, it has no objection to any arrangement during the interim period that guarantees:

state and religion are separated

The equitable representation at all the National Institutions of all the entities making up the union.

DOP 3.4 The GOS view is that no legislation shall adversely affect the religious right of any citizen.

On the issue of the source of law, the view of the GOS is that Sharia, custom and the consensus of the nation shall be the sources of legislation.

The SPLM/A reiterated its previous position on constitutional separation of state and religion.

In recognition of the multi-religious, multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-national character of the Sudan, the SPLM/A calls for the separation of state and religion;

and therefore no single religion shall be made a state religion or a source of laws.

The constitution and the laws must remain secular and all organs and institutions of the state shall be neutral on religion.

DOP 3.5: The parties agree that appropriate and fair sharing of wealth among the various peoples of the Sudan must be realized.

DOP 3.6: The parties agree that human right as internationally recognized, shall form part and parcel of this arrangement.

DOP 3.7: The parties agree that the independence of the Judiciary shall be enshrined in the constitution and laws of the Sudan.

The GOS agreed that the agreement reached shall be enshrined in the constitution.

The SPLM/A agreed that the understanding that will be reached shall be the basis of the new constitution during the Interim Period.

SIGNED BY:

SPECIAL ENVOY

IGAD SECRETARIAT ON PEACE IN SUDAN

HEAD OF DELEGATION

GOVERNMENT OF SUDAN

HEAD OF DELEGATION

SUDANESE PEOPLE’S LIBERATION MOVEMENT/ARMY (SPLM/A)

ON THE 20TH JANUARY, 2000

***

IGAD SECRETARIAT

1. AMBASSADOR DANIEL R. MBOYA

SPECIAL ENVOY

2. H.E. MR FRANCIS BUTAGIRA

ENVOY - UGANDA

3. H.E. MR.

TESHOME TOGA

ENVOY - ETHIOPIA

4. HE.

MR.

GHIRMAI GHEBREMARIAM

ENVOY - ERITREA

5. MR.

AHMED ISSA GABOBE

ENVOY – DJIBOUTI

6. MOHAMED S. OMAR

CO-ORDINATING SECRETARY

7. MRS.

F.W. KEIRU

RAPPORTLUR

8. MS.

LYDIA OBURA

RAPPORTEUR

9. MOHAMED A. GUYO

RAPPORTEUR

***

LIST OF DELEGATIONS

GOS

1. HON.

DR.

NAFIE ALI NAFIE

HEAD OF DELEGATION

ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENCY ON PEACE

2. HON.

DR.

MUTRIF SIDDIO ALI

STATE MINISTER FOR PEACE IN THE PRESIDENCY

3. HON.

MRS AGNES PONI LUKUDU

FEDERAL MINISTER FOR MANPOWER

4. AMB.

MUTINANG MALUAL MABUR

DIRECTOR FOR PEACE & HUMAN RIGHTS

5. JOSEPH NEWAK

6. KHUDHI ALIMAHADI

7. ABDALLA DENG

8. ABDULRAHMAN IBRAHIM

***

SPLM/A

1. MR.

NHIAL DENG NHIAL

CHAIRMAN — POLITICAL COMMITTEE

3. MR.

DENG ALOR KUOL

MEMBER

4. DR.

JUSTIN YAAC AROP

MEMBER

5. DR.

ELUZAL MOGGA YOKWE

SECRETARY

6. MR.

MARTIN OHURO OKERRUK

CO-ORDINATOR/RAPPORTEUR

7. ELIJAH MALOK ALENG

First Meeting of the Political Committee Between the Government of Sudan and the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement/Army

Groups

Gender

State definition

Governance

Power sharing

Human rights and equality

Rights related issues

Rights institutions

Justice sector reform

Socio-economic reconstruction

Land, property and environment

Security sector

Transitional justice

Implementation

Source agreement