Background to Sudan
Conflict in Sudan
For decades Sudan has been plagued by internal conflicts which have killed and displaced millions, and had a devastating effect on the civilian population. The situation in Sudan has also destabilised its neighbouring region.
After decades of fighting, the government in Khartoum and the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), signed a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005. They agreed to form a government of national unity and resolve disputes on sensitive issues such as the demarcation of boundaries and the sharing of oil revenues. The CPA also stipulated that a referendum would be held for the Southern Sudanese people to decide whether to remain part of a united Sudan or become an independent nation.
Further large-scale conflict broke out in 2003 in the western region of Darfur over land and resources between government forces and rebel groups, mainly the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the Sudan Liberation Army/Movement (SLA/M). Grave crimes against humanity were perpetrated against the civilian population by troops from all parties. The UN estimates that 200,000 Darfurians died and at least 2.5 million were displaced.
Sudan: Justice and the ICC
In March 2009 President Omar al-Bashir was indicted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity and war crimes in connection with the conflict in Darfur. However, Sudan is not a state party to the ICC and President al-Bashir has yet to surrender to the arrest warrant.
A report released by former South African President Thabo Mbeki in October 2009 under the auspices of the African Union emphasised the importance of justice and accountability for the people of Darfur as a key component of the path forward for Darfur and Sudan as a whole, in tandem with efforts to heal the wounds of the past and move forward in a spirit of reconciliation.
Humanitarian crisis in Sudan
40 percent of Sudan’s 40.2 million people live in poverty. Millions of Sudanese are deprived of educational and employment opportunities and lack safe and reliable access to essential services such as health, water and sanitation. Disease and food security are cause for concern.
As a result of long-lasting conflict, Sudan has one of the highest populations of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the world. There are also over 5 million IDPs in Sudan facing an uncertain future. Many live in official IDP camps, others in squatter camps in unsanitary conditions.
The Elders and Sudan
The Elders are involved in efforts to help bring about a more comprehensive and better coordinated approach by the international community to address the numerous challenges that Sudan faces and prevent a return to conflict.
Visit to Sudan
The Elders visited Sudan in 2007. Since then they have spoken out on the need for peacekeeping efforts to be properly resourced, condemned the expulsion and closure of local and international NGOs, and have written to key international actors stressing the need for more coordinated efforts.
The Elders chose to visit Sudan for their first mission in October 2007, just three months after the group was formed. Four of the Elders – Archbishop Tutu, Lakhdar Brahimi, Jimmy Carter and Graça Machel – visited Sudan to draw the world’s attention to the region’s humanitarian tragedy.
The Elders met political leaders from North and South Sudan, political party representatives, UN agencies, African Union and diplomats.
In Darfur, the Elders met tribal leaders, women’s groups, civil society leaders and internally displaced persons. The Elders called for an end to the atrocities and the displacement of millions of people and greater protection for the victims of ongoing violence.
Calling for action on Sudan
In July 2008 the Elders joined more than 30 other organisations to call for the urgent deployment of helicopters to peacekeepers in Darfur. The Elders helped to draw worldwide attention to the fact that peacekeepers were lacking in critical resources to protect civilians caught up in the conflict.
In March 2009 the Elders spoke out against the Government of Sudan’s expulsion of 13 international aid agencies and the closure of several Sudanese NGOs. The expulsion put at risk the lives of millions of Sudanese who receive critical services and medical and food supplies.
In December 2009 the Elders sent letters to over 40 foreign ministers and numerous heads of international organisations to call for a comprehensive approach and greater international cooperation to address the challenges that Sudan faces.
The Elders underlined the need for immediate action to avert a resurgence of large-scale conflict. An op-ed by Archbishop Tutu and Lakhdar Brahimi echoed the messages from the letter and was published in several media outlets in January 2010.
Looking ahead
The Elders continue to follow developments in Sudan closely. They act whenever they can – behind the scenes and in the public domain – to ensure that the views of the Sudanese people are heard by their government and the international community.
