NSCC Statement

Unity of purpose, unity of effort, unity of ideals; these words sum up the spirit of Strategic Linkages 2. This conference, held in Kisumu, Kenya from 16 ^th to 22 ^nd June 2001 at the request of Sudanese traditional leaders, was part of the people-to-people peace and reconciliation process facilitated by the New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC). It brought together more than 200 traditional leaders, elders and women from Sudan with representatives of civil society, politicians from the diaspora and members of southern political movements.

The purpose and objectives of this conference were to provide a forum for all actors in the Sudan to convene and for all their voices to be heard, to promote dialogue and look for consensus for a way forward, and to consolidate the achievements of the people-to-people peace process. 

There were participants from a broad range of backgrounds, regions, and organisations in Sudan and the diaspora including more than 50 traditional chiefs, elders and women from southern Sudan. Embassies, donor partners and other international organisations attended the entire conference as observers and witnessed the Kisumu Declaration.

NSCC invited all southern political movements to this important meeting.  The SPLM/A declined our invitation and physically blocked participation of citizens – including traditional and church leaders – in areas under SPLM/A control.  We regret their non-cooperation but look forward to working constructively with all factions, movements and political leaders, including the SPLM/A, to forward justice and peace in southern Sudan. We suggest that any questions on the involvement or non-involvement of any factions or movements be addressed directly to them.

The Kisumu Declaration, containing the resolutions of the conference, is attached.

An immediate outcome of the conference was a request for a one-day meeting for the Nuer participants to explore and resolve their internal differences. This was implemented without delay in Kisumu on 23 ^rd June 2001, with more than 70 participants from 12 Nuer ethnic groups. Their resolutions are also attached.

NSCC

26 ^th June 2001

Contact: Telar Deng, NSCC, peacedesk@swiftkenya.com