The European Union congratulates the Sudanese people on the first anniversary of the signature of the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA). The agreement is a significant milestone of the transitional period towards freedom, peace, democracy and justice. If well implemented, the people of Darfur, of the Two Areas and of all other parts of Sudan can finally live in peace and have a say on their future.
The European Union commends the JPA signatories for their partnership and for the efforts done so far to implement some elements of the agreement, including the steps forward made in transitional justice. We are, however, concerned by the delays in implementing many other aspects of the JPA. The situation in the war-affected areas, which have been marginalized for decades, has not changed yet for the better, and the dividends of peace have not yet reached most Sudanese.
The European Union, as the witness to this agreement, is therefore urging the signatories to make up for the delays by setting up the joint forces, speeding up the implementation of security arrangements and establishing the institutions foreseen in the JPA. At the same time, we urge the leadership of the SPLM-N/al Hilu to return to Juba and resume negotiations with the transitional authorities on the basis of the March 2021 Declaration of Principles.
The EU, as a staunch supporter of the December 2018 revolution and Sudan’s democratic transition, will continue to support politically and financially the implementation of the JPA as well as the continuation of the peace process in Juba to achieve sustainable peace and justice.