Into the future: will north and south Sudan work toward a peaceful future?

The autonomous region of Southern Sudan came about in January 2005 after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the north and the south. By October, ministries were emerging and key positions had been appointed. Six years later, Southern Sudan has found a new development path and if the region secedes from the north to become another country, economic development and state systems challenges lie ahead. But Southern Sudan is still a developing country. That is why maintaining a long-term peaceful and stable international environment is so important.

It is clear for both domestic needs and international responsibility, Sudan (both north and south) will need to work toward development and cooperation, an independent foreign policy, and a diplomatic vision of upholding world peace. All countries, existing and new, strong and weak, rich and poor, should respect the rights of their people to independently choose their own development path. All should strive for international and regional security and peaceful settlements of international disputes.

Enduring peace and common prosperity will be the defining features of both the north and the south as they uphold the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, abide by international and universal human rights and international relations, and embrace the spirit of democracy. Mutual respect, equality, dialogue and cooperation with trust will be required to meet common regional and global challenges.

Sudan (both north and south) deserve a peaceful and prosperous future.

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