The Sudanese community in Rumbek town of South Sudan’s Lakes State on Monday celebrated the initialling of a power-sharing deal between Sudan’s government and key rebel groups.
Last month, Sudan’s transitional government initialled a peace agreement with the Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF), a coalition of rebel groups from the regions of Darfur, South Kordofan, and the Blue Nile. The event took place in South Sudan's capital, Juba.
It is considered a key step towards resolving deep-rooted conflicts from the long rule of former president Omar al-Bashir.
“We are very happy because of the peace agreement that was signed in Juba. The peace agreement will ensure freedom, justice and equality among all the Sudanese people, “said Abubakar Mansur, a Sudanese trader in Rumbek.
According to Abubakar, many Sudanese citizens hope that the peace process will be a catalyst for change in the country.
“Sudan is behind in terms of development, but the peace agreement will change the country. We want to see a country where there are no citizens who are considered second class, so we want to see equality and justice,” he said.
Ahmed Abdelkarim, a leading member of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) faction led by Minni Minnawi, affirmed their readiness to implement the peace agreement.
“I am happy to celebrate the occasion here in Rumbek town, which is a centre for all successful liberation struggles in Sudan,” said Abdelkarim.
He called on the people of Sudan to support the full implementation of the peace agreement reached in Juba. The Sudanese opposition official commended South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir for supporting peace and stability in Sudan.
Isaac Musa, an advisor to the SLM leader, appreciated the support provided to them by South Sudanese during the conflict in Darfur. He also thanked President Salva Kiir for hosting all Sudanese parties in Juba to reach a peace agreement.
Addressing the occasion, Lakes State Governor Makur Kulang said: “I congratulate all the Sudanese community residing in Rumbek for celebrating the signing of the peace agreement.”
The South Sudanese official underscored the importance of equality among all citizens in Sudan.
“In the past, people used to talk about the problem of southern Sudan, but after southern Sudan separated, people began talking about the problem of Darfur in western Sudan. The whole problem was about justice, freedom and equality in Sudan,” he concluded.
The final signing of the peace agreement between Sudan's government and rebel groups is set for early October in Juba.
Since October 2019, South Sudan has been mediating between the Sudanese government and the armed groups.