The purpose of the visit is to discuss the implementation of the recently signed peace agreement between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A). The visit is part of the preparations for the donor conference for Sudan, which Norway will hold in April this year. Minister of International Development Hilde F. Johnson will also visit Darfur to examine the humanitarian situation in the conflict-ridden province.

On 14 and 15 February, the Minister will have meetings in Khartoum with Sudan’s Vice President, Ali Osman Taha, Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail and other representatives of the government. She will also meet the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Sudan, Jan Pronk, representatives of various UN organisations and NGOs and opposition politicians.

On 16 and 17 February, Ms Johnson will travel to Darfur, where she will visit the Kalma and Zalingey refugee camps.

On 18 and 20 February, the Minister will travel to Rumbek in South Sudan, where she will meet the Chairman of the SPLM, John Garang, and other SPLM leaders. She will also meet UN representatives, visit various development programmes, and discuss the establishment of the new regional government in the south of the country and the return of refugees, amongst other issues.

Press contact person: Information Adviser Odd Naustdal, tel. +47 911 49 490