On May 12, SDC/GI-NET held a policy call to update people on the ongoing peace process in Darfur, the recent elections in South Kordofan, and the emerging crises in Libya and Syria. We also announced the launch of our new policy paper, “No Rush to Reward Khartoum”.

Update on Darfur: The situation in Darfur continues to show little improvement over the last couple of years. Following recent protests throughout Darfur, the Sudanese government arrested  activists and oppressed those voicing their opinions. The peace talks in Doha are rapidly evolving. On April 27, U.N./A.U. mediators gave their final version of a peace agreement to government and rebel groups. However, it has turned into a problematic document due to the fact that it does not cover everything negotiated.  Increasingly, it looks like this will not be a final version, and more negotiations will be necessary, pushing back the original May 23 deadline. Also postponed is the civil society conference, originally slated to take place this week. The leading mediator, Gabriel Basole, may leave the talks soon to become foreign minister of his home country Burkina Faso. Appointing a new mediator who is approved by the U.N. and A.U. will be essential.

Elections in South Kordofan. Source: AFP

South Kordofan Elections: The vote counting process for the state elections recently held in South Kordofan is currently underway. Although it is too soon to determine if the vote can be considered free and fair, S.P.L.M. has already walked out of the vote counting process. The outcome of these elections will be a key marker for whether the North and South are taking implementation of the C.P.A. seriously.

Post-call update: The National Congress Party (N.C.P.) candidate and incumbent, Ahmed Haroun, won the gubernatorial seat in Southern Kordofan’s elections according to the National Elections Commission (N.E.C.). He won the governorship with 201,455 votes, while the S.P.L.M. candidate, Abdel Aziz Al-Hilu, earned 194,955 votes. Last Friday the S.P.L.M. and Al-Hilu pulled out of the hotly contested election, claiming the vote was rigged.

South Sudan Independence: Independence for South Sudan is on schedule for July 9. SDC/GI-NET is concerned that the United States may give incentives to the Sudanese government too soon.  We are pushing for no incentives until the Sudanese government is held accountable and demonstrates its commitment to peace.

Colonel Gaddafi

Libya: Recent weeks have seen an increase in rebel capacity and there is still heavy fighting in and around Misrata. Conflict in Libya continues to be a threat to civilians.

Post-call update: The I.C.C. has requested arrest warrants for Colonel Gaddafi, his son Saif al-Islam, and the head of Libya’s intelligence service, Abdullah al-Senussi on crimes against humanity.

Syria: SDC/GI-NET has been following the cycle of violent oppression that has been taking place in Syria for over a month. Recently there has been an increase in the targeting for civilians which is of great concern. We have issued a press statement and will continue to follow the situation.

If you missed the call, listen here to find out all the details.