SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Radio Dabanga - Security Arrangements in Sudan – Achilles heels of peace and democratic transformation
In an analysis of challenges facing the transitional government in securing a peace agreement, Sudanese political expert Dr Elwathig Kameir, argues that a peace agreement is contingent upon rebel groups transforming into civilian political organisations prepared for participation in the general elections, and security sector reforms that would see rebel groups integrated into a united national army.
Among the obstacles to a peace agreement, Kameir notes, the divergence of positions on the inclusiveness of negotiating agenda, with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) calling for the inclusion of national constitutional issues in the agenda, whereas the government insists on restricting negotiations to the Two Areas (South Kordofan/Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile states).
Secondly, Kameir notes that the SPLM prioritises a political agreement, including autonomy for the Two Areas, whereas the transitional government’s refusal to negotiate political issues risks repeating previous mistakes that have hampered Sudanese peace negotiations.