Catholic Relief Services
After decades of war between the north and south, the people of southern Sudan voted to become the world’s newest nation on July 9, 2011. However, the long-term peace and stability in all of Sudan is at a critical juncture.Political tensions and allegations of attacks on civilians in the border areas of Abyei, Southern Kordofan, and Blue Nile are continuing daily. Sudanese civilians are caught in the middle of this new round of violence. Civilian protection from aerial bombardment and unregulated militia is urgently needed. Many Sudanese living in these areas have been forced to flee their homes. They now have very little access to basic necessities. It is imperative that the government in the north of Sudan grant humanitarian access to these areas. This situation is dire. Our Sudanese brothers and sisters need civilian protection and emergency assistance.
Without a resolution to the recent violence and military build-up, the hope and future of the South Sudan could be undermined. The Administration must redouble its pressure on both sides to negotiate a sustainable resolution to the difficult issue of Abyei, urge the Khartoum government to halt its attacks on civilians in Southern Kordofan, and facilitate intensive negotiations to resolve the issues that led to the outbreak in fighting. In addition, outstanding issues between Sudan and South Sudan (borders, sharing oil revenues, etc.) must be resolved. Urge President Obama to focus his Administration’s efforts to work with both leaders in Sudan and South Sudan to protect the rights of its citizens and promote peace between Sudan and South Sudan.
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