Sudan

Background

A series of non-international armed conflicts have plagued Sudan since its independence. In January 2005, following a three-year process, the Government of Sudan (GoS) and the southern-based Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) signed a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). A Government of National Unity, which incorporates the SPLM/A, and a semi-autonomous Government of South Sudan (GoSS), were subsequently established. However, implementation of the CPA has been slow and uneasy, putting the hard-fought peace at risk. In the Darfur region on Sudan’s western border with Chad, the conflict that escalated in 2003 continues.

Anti-personnel (AP) mines were used extensively in southern Sudan by both the GoS and armed non-State actors (NSAs), including the SPLM/A. As a result, the south of the country is severely contaminated. While AP mines do not appear to be a problem in Darfur, the region has been the theatre of many violations of the rights of women and children.

Activities

Geneva Call started engaging the SPLM/A in an AP mine ban in 2000. In 2001, the signed the Deed of Commitment banning AP mines. A series of workshops were held subsequently in southern Sudan to disseminate the commitment to the rank and file. Geneva Call also initiated contacts between the SPLM/A and United Nations agencies, which resulted in 2002 in the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding for mine action support between the (UNMAS), the SPLM/A and the GoS. Mine action, especially demining operations, has since accelerated. In 2008, the GoSS destroyed more than 6’000 AP mines, thereby allowing Sudan to complete its international obligation to destroy stockpiles. Geneva Call’s engagement work in South Sudan was undertaken in partnership with the Kenya Coalition against Landmines and (OSIL).

In 2008, Geneva Call undertook a field research project with support from the to examine the roles, needs, capabilities and vulnerabilities of women associated with the SPLM/A in southern Sudan. The was published in September 2008. Geneva Call also monitors the situation in Darfur with a view of identifying engagement needs and opportunities.

For further information:

Geneva Call and Small Arms Survey, 2008, , Sudan Human Security Baseline Assessment (HSBA) Issue Brief, Small Arms Survey (Geneva), No 13, September.

SPLM/A, 2004, , June.

SPLM/A, 2004, , 9 May.

SPLM/A, 2004, , signed 1 October 2003.

Geneva Call, 2003, , Report of the workshop held in New Site, Kapoeta County, Southern Sudan, 29 September - 1 October.

Geneva Call, 2001, Press Release, 4 October.

SPLM/A, 2001, , NSA Statement, 4 October.