Nairobi (dpa) - The announcement of the formation of a new Sudanese government of national unity is a critical step towards the implementation of the north-south peace deal signed nearly nine months ago, a top analyst said in Nairobi Wednesday.
"The most important point is that unlocks the door for the stalled peace process to continue," said David Mosinsky, a Sudan researcher for the think tank International Crisis Group
"The National Assembly, the southern parliament and the government of southern Sudan can now be formed," he added.
President Omer Hassan al-Bashirs ruling National Congress party retained the powerful energy portfolio after weeks of tough negotiations with the former rebel Sudanese Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) over which party should get the post. The SPLM has officially welcomed the announcement of the unity cabinet.
The autonomous Southern legislature is expected to meet for the first time on September 27 after a decree by SPLM leader and Sudanese Vice President, Salva Kiir Mayardit.
The government of national unity is part of a powersharing deal with the former SPLM rebels but was delayed after the July 30 death of former SPLM leader and Sudanese Vice President John Garang and the disagreement between the two parties over the energy ministry portfolio. The countrys main oil reserves are located in the south.
Meanwhile, in a further escalation of the conflict in western Sudan, reports indicate rebels of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) have taken control of the government-controlled town of Shareya, northeast of Nyala, the capital of South Darfur State.
It is feared news of the attack will be a setback to the sixth round of peace talks between the warring parties currently underway in the Nigerian capital, Abuja. dpa ebk ds
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