American Friends of the Episcopal Church of Sudan Send Letter to Hillary Clinton Urging Help in Rescuing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement

January 16, 2010
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037

Dear Secretary Clinton,

I write on behalf of the American Friends of the Episcopal Church of Sudan (AFRECS) to urge that the Administration assign the highest priority to rescuing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which provides the framework for the peaceful resolution of nearly four decades of violent conflict in Sudan.

AFRECS is a network of Episcopalians, Episcopal parishes, dioceses, and church leaders who are committed to working with our friends of the Episcopal Church of Sudan (ECS) in ending the violence which has plagued Sudan for nearly forty years At our national conference in June 2010, AFRECS will focus on the CPA and related peace issues, building on our advocacy work of past years and the many visits to Sudan as partners with the ECS.

As we observe the fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), we have been disturbed by violations of the CPA as an effective device for bringing peace to Sudan. Tragically, unless the CPA is faithfully implemented on an urgent basis, the upheaval that has been the fate of our Sudanese sisters and brothers could disrupt more violently. Africa’s largest nation could be plunged into another catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

All authoritative sources, including members of AFRECS who have recent first hand experience with developments in Sudan, indicate that the National Congress Party (NCP)has failed to create an environment where South Sudanese have any reason to expect just and fair treatment in a united Sudan. There has been a failure to enact measures to ensure free and fair elections, scheduled for April 2010.

The recent imprisonment of opposition Sudanese leaders compounds the notion that the government in Khartoum has no intention of promoting a political system which tolerates dissent and includes fair treatment for all Sudanese. Moreover, wealth sharing has been problematic in terms of transparency and South Sudan receiving an equitable share of oil revenues. The Khartoum government has consistently fostered delays and imposed barriers to moving the peace process forward.

Only forceful leadership from the United States will divert the NCP from undermining the CPA and thus any prospect of peace for the Sudanese people. Madam Secretary, we need to hold all parties to the CPA accountable for its full implementation and not accept anything less than strict measures of accountability to guide future actions by the NCP. Another example of U.S. leadership would be action by the State Department guaranteeing that the U.S. has a strong presence on the ground in Sudan supporting and monitoring upcoming elections. Other nations should also be urged to support a robust and fair election process as a key means of restoring confidence in the CPA.

Your recent acknowledgement of the importance of Norway and the United Kingdom as partners in guaranteeing faithful observance of the CPA needs to continue as a focus of U.S. policy. The international community will take its lead from the United States as the CPA’s lead guarantor, Also, the Administration must hold Khartoum responsible for its failure to live up to its responsibilities under the terms of the CPA. We urge the Administration to show that the United States is determined to prevent the emasculation of the CPA and equally determined to revive the agreement as an instrument of peace and stability for the Sudanese. With respect to peace in Sudan time is not our friend.

As a coalition of American Episcopalians whose commitment to peace in Sudan has a long history, we urge you to give priority attention to total adherence to the terms of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Please know that in doing so, our country will have the thanks and prayers of thousands who want to see an end to the violence that has been so devastating for the people of Sudan.
Sincerely yours.

C. Richard Parkins
Executive Director