Sudan: United States Policy

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The United States supports the achievement of a just and comprehensive peace agreement in order to end the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The United States seeks full cooperation against terrorism and unrestricted humanitarian access to all populations in need. The United States is deeply concerned about continued violations of human rights, including freedom of religion.

Peace Agreement The United States continues to urge both sides to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the civil war. The U.S. is assisting the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-sponsored peace talks in Machakos and Karen, Kenya. Both the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) reached an historic breakthrough in July 2002 by agreeing to a framework protocol on two of the most contentious issues in the conflict: the role of state and religion and the right of the south to self-determination. Negotiations are continuing on power and wealth-sharing, security arrangements, and the status of the three marginalized areas. Counter-Terrorism The United States is cooperating with the Government of Sudan on counter-terrorism, but concerns remain, particularly about the presence of certain groups in Sudan, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Sudan is on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. Humanitarian Access In October 2002 as part of the cessation of hostilities memorandum of understanding, both sides reiterated their commitment to allow unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas of Sudan. Overall, humanitarian access has improved and aid is now getting to some previously unreachable areas.

Assistance and Development Over the last decade, USAID has provided over $1 billion in humanitarian assistance to Sudan. Development activities in education, agriculture, and planning for peace are ongoing in opposition areas of Sudan. Civilian Protection Monitoring Team (CPMT) As part of the initiatives proposed by Special Envoy John Danforth, both sides agreed to protect civilians. The United States has created a CPMT to investigate allegations of attacks against civilians, and several public reports have been issued. The CPMT is also playing an active role in assisting the IGAD in monitoring violations of the October 2002 cessation of hostilities agreement. The Sudan Peace Act The President signed the Sudan Peace Act into law on October 21, 2002. The Act calls the President to report, within six months, on the status of the negotiations. It also stipulates that the Department must report to Congress on oil financing, aerial bombardments, humanitarian relief, and war crimes. The text of the Act can be found at the GPO web page: www.gpo.gov, PL 107-245. Web Links Additional information on Sudan, including speeches, statements, and reports: http://www.state.gov/p/af/ci/su/ Information on humanitarian aid and assistance to Sudan: http://www.usaid.gov/about/sudan/