U.S. Secretary of State Powell Witnesses Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement Signing, Calls for Peace in Darfur

January 11, 2005

No. 02/05

Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) – On Sunday, January 9, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell witnessed the signing of the Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of Sudan and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).  Secretary Powell’s participation marks the culmination of four years of work by the United States with both parties to complete the talks.

The U.S. Secretary of State said the agreement will “close a dark chapter in the history of Sudan,” but cautioned parties to work for peace throughout the country, saying “These new ‘partners for peace’ must work together immediately to end the violence and atrocities that continue to occur in Darfur.  Not next month or in the interim period but right away, starting today.”  Secretary Powell stated on January 8 following a meeting with Sudanese Vice President Taha and SPLM leader John Garang that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement “gives us a basis now to redouble our efforts to solve the problem in Darfur.  And we will stand fully behind this comprehensive agreement and hopefully use it to work on the problem of Darfur.”

The U.S. continues to support African-led initiatives for peace in Sudan.  Apart from backing the IGAD-led North-South process, the U.S. Government is a staunch supporter of the African Union (AU) mission in Darfur and the AU-brokered political talks between the government of Sudan and rebel groups.  During his remarks January 9, Secretary Powell recognized the “impressive” efforts of the African Union and urged parties to cooperate fully with the AU.

To date the U.S. has contributed $42.8 million dollars to the AU mission, including $2.5 million to support the airlift of Nigerian and Rwandan troops to Darfur, and will contribute additional funds in the near future.  Apart from direct support to the AU’s efforts, the United States leads the world in providing humanitarian assistance to both southern Sudan and the Darfur crisis, having provided so far more than $368 million dollars in humanitarian assistance in Darfur and for the more than 200,000 refugees who have fled to Chad.

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