Outcome of the Juba summit

Presidents Al-Bashir and Kiir/ photo credit: Reuters

Since the end of the last round of talks between the two states of Sudan, observers have set their sights on the long-awaited meeting between Presidents Al Bashir and Kiir, as the highest level of talks on which hinges resolution of the problems that impede normalization of relations between the two countries.

The Addis Ababa talks did succeed in keeping the two countries away from the edge of the precipice, but that was not sufficient.

The Juba summit was entrusted with the task of putting the two countries on a solid ground of fraternity and constructive cooperation to dispel the atmosphere of war and contention.

 The summit was also a further demonstration of their commitment to foster the relations and promote the wellbeing of their peoples.

In the above respect, the African Union (AU)congratulated Presidents Al-Bashir and Kiir for their fruitful summit meeting, pointing out that it “Welcomes the commitment of the two Presidents to resolve the issue of Abyei, in accordance with the Implementation Matrix, as well as their decision to establish a High Ministerial Joint Committee to be chaired by the two Vice Presidents of both countries, in order to facilitate speedy decision-making regarding the enhancement of relations between the two countries”.

On his part, the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon welcomed the meeting, and urged the two leaders "to maintain this positive momentum."

Moon commended both presidents for deciding to continue their efforts to settle the issue of Abyei….. and urged both to resolve their differences regarding the final settlement of Abyei.

 What can be drawn from the UN and AU statements is that the international community is giving priority to the issue of Abyei, to bring about fully normalized relations between the two countries.

According to Sudan Tribune, the two leaders had already agreed to set up a joint administration in Abyei, but failed to come to a deal on how the local legislative council should be structured.

South Sudan’s Information minister, Barnaba Marial was quoted by ST as stating that "President Salva stressed on the need to respect previous arrangements. He wants the 60% representation and 40% representation for the government of Sudan. This was how it used to be but president Bashir said it is better to use 50-50 representation",

Khartoum says it had previously accepted the 40% share because it wanted to encourage Southerners to vote for unity. But now that things have changed, it wants to re-establish the share of 50% as provided in 2005 peace agreement.

President Al-Bashir, however vowed to work hand in hand with Kiir to resolve the outstanding issues including Abyei, where they have yet to establish temporary institutions and set up a referendum commission.

The two presidents agreed to continue their discussions on the issue and Al-Bashir invited to Kiir to visit Khartoum for further engagement on unresolved issues.

We hope that Kiir will in turn accept the invitation and that the two leaders will put -in their next meeting in Khartoum- the final touches for reaching a lasting solution to all outstanding issues for the sake of normalization.