(From January 2003 Transitions Newsletter.)
The signing of the Machakos Protocol
of 20 July 2002 between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People Liberation
Movement (SPLM) has given Sudan its best chance in several years to end
the civil war. But the peace process is still fragile and continued commitment
from the political parties will be key to achieving peace. The country
is still plagued by ongoing civil strife, chronic instability, adverse
weather, and much of the population will remain at or below the poverty
line for years to come. Peace would give Sudan a unique opportunity to
rebuild itself, but the country will need to find a successful formula
for equitable sharing of power and resources.
UNDP will continue to support Sudan's national vision towards post-war "rights based" and "people centered" recovery initiatives. This relationship will continue to grow during this transition period and UN development and humanitarian assistance objectives and multi-sectoral strategies will promote a broad partnership framework including the participation of resident and non-resident UN Agencies, the Sudanese government, SPLM, donors, civil society and the private sector. Strengthening such partnerships will encourage greater exchange of information, experiences and best practices.
As said by Ashraf El-Nour, Senior Advisor, Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery, "While Sudan is confronted by the challenge of resources through decades of war, UNDP is working with UN Country Teams to take on the task of preparing a transitional recovery strategy in order to support the peace process."
Working in close collaboration with our UN partners, UNDP is strengthening national capacities to address the root causes of conflicts and poverty in Sudan. The strategy is to combine interventions at both national policy and grass-root levels by supporting the resolution of local conflicts and increasing opportunities for economic, social and human security for affected and disadvantaged populations, and in particular internally displaced persons to influence decision-making. To do this effectively, UNDP is working closely with Sudanese partners to enhance intra-Sudanese dialogue.
In addition to working closely with the IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) Partners' within the "Planning for Peace" framework, UNDP is also actively involved in an initiative in the Nuba Mountains. The Nuba Mountains Programme for Advancing Conflict Transformation (NMPACT), is a phased, multi-agency, cross conflict programme of interventions that aim to support the short and long term needs of the people of the Nuba Mountains. Arising from the cease-fire agreement, NMPACT has been endorsed by both the Government and the SPLM and is designed to strengthen opportunities for complementary, coordinated, equitable and community-owned interventions. The overall strategic goal of NMPACT is to enhance the Nuba people's capacity for self reliance within a sustained process of conflict transformation guided by the aspirations, priorities and analyses of the Nuba people.
The enormity of the recovery task will require forging partnership with the international financial institutions and UNDP is currently exploring joint programmes with the World Bank including rebuilding the knowledge base, supporting quick impact policy reform and improving delivery of basic services in order to consolidate peace for the Sudanese communities. As the ongoing talks proceed, UNDP will support the peace process in coordination with UN agencies and the government of Sudan.
For further information, please contact Ashraf El-Nour, e-mail ashraf.el-nour@undp.org