On Monday 31 August, the European Union welcomed the peace agreement initialled the same day in Juba (South Sudan) by the Transitional Government of Sudan and the Sudan Revolutionary Front as “an important milestone for the ongoing democratic and economic transition of Sudan”.
The agreement, which is the culmination of a successful year of negotiations, should put an end to 17 years of civil war and makes provision for dismantling armed groups and integrating combatants into the regular army.
“Mediated with the help of neighbouring South Sudan, the agreement paves the way towards the establishment of a lasting peace in Sudan”, said Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
He also added that: “Only an agreement implemented in good faith and in the spirit of cooperation can live up to the needs and expectations of the Sudanese people for a better life in peace and stability”.
On this occasion, the EU calls on Abdalaziz al-Hilu and Abdul Wahid al Nur, the leaders of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North and the Sudan Liberation Movement respectively, “to join the peace efforts for the benefit of the local communities who deserve to benefit from the changes underway in Sudan”.
“The EU remains committed to supporting the historic Sudanese transition”, said Borrell. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)