Middle East Economic Survey
VOL. XLVIII
No 2
10
Summary Of Protocols Forming Comprehensive Peace Agreement For Southern Sudan
The final elements agreed on 31 December 2004 included issues surrounding the practical implementation of the peace agreement and a permanent ceasefire between the two sides, which is due to come into effect once the full peace deal is signed on 9 January. Aside from these two final protocols, the comprehensive peace agreement will be based on the following points, agreed before the latest breakthrough.
Self-Determination. Signed at Machakos in July
2002 (MEES, 29 July 2002). The protocol provided for the south to hold
a referendum after a six-year transition period to determine secession. During
the transitional period to start six months after the comprehensive agreement
is signed, the south will be exempted from Islamic law.
Security Arrangements. Signed in September 2003.
Government troops in southern Sudan and SPLM/A troops in Nuba Mountains and
Southern Blue Nile will withdraw under international monitoring. Command of
the two forces will be assumed by a new Joint Defense Board made up of top
officers from both sides. Both the government army and the SPLA will remain
separate and shall be considered and treated equally as Sudan’s National Armed
Forces (SNAF).
Wealth-Sharing. Signed in January 2004. For the
full protocol on wealth sharing, which included all provisions for the oil
industry, see MEES, 19 January 2004.
Power-Sharing. Signed in May 2004 (MEES, 31
May and 7 June 2004). SPLA and government to form a government of national
unity with a decentralized system of administration. SPLA will also set up a
separate semi-autonomous administration in the south. SPLA leader John Garang
will hold the post of first vice president in the national government and
general elections at all levels of government will be held at the end of the
third year. English and Arabic will be the official languages in the country
and people from south Sudan will make up 30% of the country's post conflict
civil service.
Administration of Nuba Mountains and Southern Blue
Nile State. Two protocols signed in May 2004. Disputed regions will each have
their own government headed by a governor directly appointed by registered
voters. Governor from either SPLA or government on a rotational basis until
elections.
Abyei State. Signed in May 2004. The oil-rich state, currently part of western Kordofan, will be accorded special status under the presidency. Its residents will be citizens of both Western Kordofan in northern Sudan and Bahr al-Ghazal state in southern Sudan and will be administered by a local executive council elected by the residents of Abyei. A separate referendum will be held to determine whether the special status will continue or whether it will become part of the south.