SPLA Position in Nuba Mountains

November 13, 2002

SPLM/SPLA POSITION ON THE NUBA AND FUNJ CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM SEMINAR.

The Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement and Sudan Peoples' Liberation Army (SPLM/SPLA) has learnt with great concern that Justice Africa is the process of organising a seminar for the Nuba Mountains and Southern Blue Nile on the Sudan peace process. The Seminar is scheduled to take place in Entebbe, Uganda from 18th to 21st November 2002 in Entebbe, Uganda. The organisers claim that the aim of the seminar is to provide a forum for the people of these two areas to exchange views among themselves and with the present negotiating parties namely Government of Sudan (GOS) and SPLM/A. The truth of the matter is that the motive of the organiser is of divisive nature.

This Seminar may however cause misunderstanding and confusion among the people in the Nuba Mountains and Southern Blue Nile particularly at this time while the peace process is in progress. Consequently, it may complicate negotiations with regards to these areas including Abyei. It is also likely to cause apprehension among the citizens of these areas who are in the Diaspora as well as those inside the Government of Sudan controlled areas.

In our view, this politics of division is being perpetuated by elements both local and international who have their agenda. This agenda aims at dividing the SPLM/SPLA. In fact, this is meant to isolate the struggle of the people of the Nuba Mountains and the Funj from the liberation process of the people of the New Sudan in line with Khartoum's misguided policy of "divide and conquer".

In this regard, the SPLM/SPLA Leadership in the Nuba Mountains and Southern Blue Nile together with the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the SPLM administered areas will not take part in this seminar. However, the Movement would like to reassure all concern that it is committed to negotiate on the basis of the DOPs which specifically state that the war in the Sudan must be resolved in a comprehensive manner. This can not be achieved unless the war in Southern Sudan, Southern Blue Nile, Nuba Mountains and the district of Abyei is resolved in one forum under the IGAD Peace Process.

Dr. Samson L. Kwaje

Commissioner for Information and Official Spokesman SPLM/SPLA