WASHINGTON, DC - The Government
of Sudan (GoS) and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) met with
the facilitation of the United States Government in Washington, D.C. from
July 8 to 9, 2003 to start the work of the Joint Planning Mechanism (JPM).
The JPM was created during a meeting held in Nairobi from May 9-10, 2003
to assist both parties in assessing needs, developing priorities, and drawing
up action plans for implementation during the pre-interim period. This
meeting, hosted by the World Bank, was attended by members of the GoS and
SPLM, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the United
Nations (UN), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The parties agreed to create a small
joint secretariat in Nairobi, composed of three technical experts from
each side, by August 1, 2003. The JPM secretariat will be facilitated by
the UN system and will assist in coordination and harmonization of priority
areas, develop detailed work plans, disseminate information, and consult
with Sudanese and other stakeholders. This will include taking to the field,
the process of setting quick start priorities, involving local authorities
and civil society throughout Sudan.
In addition, the parties prepared a list of common priority areas that will guide quick start/impact programs and capacity building. They call upon the international community, in particular the international financial institutions, the UN agencies, and bi-lateral donors, to assist in the urgent implementation of agreed programs.
Immediate focus of the JPM will be on capacity building at all levels related to the issue of returning populations (internally displaced persons and refugees). This will include data collection and analysis, provision of basic services (including GoS controlled areas in the south), culture of peace, and civil administration.
Contact: USAID Press Office
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
Press: (202) 712-4320
Public Information: (202) 712-4810