Church officials cautiously optimistic about Sudanese peace agreement

Published: 2005-01-18

NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) -- Church officials are cautiously optimistic that the recently signed peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement will translate into real peace. "The Sudanese people have been very patient," Father Anthony Bangoye, secretary-general of the Nairobi-based Sudan Catholic Bishops' Regional Conference, told Catholic News Service. "God has heard their prayers after 21 years of war," he said. "This (peace agreement) was the cry of all the people. Now we are waiting for the implementation." On Jan. 9, Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Taha and John Garang, leader of the rebel group, signed the agreement, which consists of eight protocols spelling out how the North and South are to share wealth and power, how they will manage their armies jointly and separately, the commitment to a permanent cease-fire, the separation of state and religion, and other arrangements. The peace agreement allows for a six-year interim period after which Southerners will decide, in a referendum, whether to remain a part of Sudan or secede. During this time, Shariah, or Islamic law, remains in force in the North but does not apply in southern Sudan.

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