Crisis in Sudan

16 April 2012 05:48 am

As consolation, it is indeed fortunate that Khartoum has remained calm and has even appealed to tribes living on the borderlines of the South to not escalate tensions by resorting to use of force, even for purpose of retaliation. This crisis, which has ensued despite detailed understanding between both the states, is in need of resolution and a sustained phase of diplomacy is indispensable. The efforts on the part of African Union and especially South Africa to broker a renewed understanding are in wanting. Issues that range from naturalisation to oil reserves and territorial lines to assets of an undivided state are too cumbersome to be resolved on a quick-fix basis.
Yet, the positive aspect is that both had reached a comprehensive deal in line with the norms of international law. That episode in current history is in need of being revisited. With weeks to go before the first anniversary of independence by South Sudan, this call for resolving disputes from the barrel of gun is unfortunate. It will not help either party and will come to bleed the nation that has already fought two decades of civil war, and whose socio-economic infrastructure is in shambles.
The regional states cannot afford to wait for trigger-happy tribes and desolate soldiers to lumber onto the brink of disaster. The world community should intervene and pacify both flanks of Sudanese leadership to exercise extreme caution and calm. It’s time for serious shuttle diplomacy.
Khaleej Times