January, 09 2009, 07:50am EDT
US Must Support Peace and Justice In Sudan
Africa Action Calls on the U.S. Government to Support Policies Promoting Stability
WASHINGTON
Today Africa Action reflects on the 4th anniversary of the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that sought to end Sudan's longest
civil war and established self-governance in Southern Sudan.
Gerald LeMelle, Executive Director of Africa Action said this morning,
"The anniversary of the CPA is a reminder that while four years have
passed since the treaty was signed, it remains in a fragile condition
in 2009. The next administration must be unyielding in its commitment
to working with the international community to pressure the Government
of Sudan to strengthen and implement the CPA."
Long-term, sustainable peace remains within reach, however, Africa
Action calls on the new administration to intensify international
diplomatic pressure to address the human needs of Sudanese people.
LeMelle added, "We cannot allow obstacles such as the current "War on
Terror" to interfere and take priority over human rights and democracy."
One significant stipulation of the CPA is that in 2009 Sudan must hold
national elections to choose the President of the country. The National
Congress Party in Khartoum cannot be an impediment on a free and fair
election. To do so would fly in the face of the pillars of
self-determination outlined in the CPA.
"Democratic governance is vital to building a stable country. The CPA
is the most significant document to emerge from Sudan since its
independence in 1956," said Michael Stulman, Africa Action's Associate
Director for Policy and Communications. "To date, international efforts
have fallen short of the necessary resolve to bring peace to Sudan. The
international community can play a more important role in supporting
comprehensive peace in the region today."
To learn more about Sudan and the CPA, visit https://www.africaaction.org.
Africa Action is a national organization that works for political, economic and social justice in Africa. Through the provision of accessible information and analysis combined with the mobilization of public pressure we work to change the policies and policy-making processes of U.S. and multinational institutions toward Africa. The work of Africa Action is grounded in the history and purpose of its predecessor organizations, the American Committee on Africa (ACOA), The Africa Fund, and the Africa Policy Information Center (APIC), which have fought for freedom and justice in Africa since 1953. Continuing this tradition, Africa Action seeks to re-shape U.S. policy toward African countries.
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