Address at Sudan Consortium

Session: Efforts towards sustainable peace in Darfur.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to Oslo and to the Sudan Consortium, a three-day conference on Sudan.

A special welcome to the Sudanese delegation, led by Vice President Ali Osman Taha, and to the two organisers, the World Bank and the UN.

A warm welcome also to all other participants.

Three years ago, at the first donor conference for Sudan here in Oslo, the focus was on reconstruction in the war-affected areas in South Sudan and similar areas in the north. A special session was devoted to the humanitarian situation in Darfur.

Vice President Ali Osman Taha and the SPLM Chairman Dr John Garang promised at the conference to give top priority to finding a political solution for Darfur. The international community gave its support to the future Government of National Unity in Sudan on this basis.

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement was – and is still – the foundation for our joint efforts for peace, democracy and development in Sudan. The CPA has opened the door for a new national deal – a new Sudan – which should include all regions in a democratic political system.

A lasting peace in Darfur must be an intrinsic part of a comprehensive, national development towards peace and democracy all over Sudan.

Mr Chairman,

Several elements will be fundamental to achieving a comprehensive peace in Darfur:

First, security. Improved security in Darfur should be a matter of the highest priority. UNAMID must be deployed as fast as possible and with adequate capacity.

Norway regrets that we were compelled to withdraw our offer to provide a joint engineering unit to this important mission. Our engineering troops could have facilitated a quicker deployment of the forces. The mission’s engineering capacities must be strengthened. Any further obstacles are not acceptable, be they bureaucratic or political.

The civilian population has a right to be protected. 

Secondly – ensuring humanitarian assistance. Unhindered access of humanitarian assistance in Darfur is another key to achieving peace. Over the last 6 months we have again witnessed deterioration in the humanitarian situation. This can not continue. We are particularly concerned about vulnerable groups, such as women, children and the elderly. They need protection and assistance. Gender considerations must be incorporated into all projects and in decision-making. The Norwegian Government will continue to give substantial humanitarian assistance to Sudan and Darfur.

Thirdly, there is an acute need to find a political solution for Darfur. Norway is firmly behind the efforts by the UN and AU and the regional actors. I urge all relevant stakeholders in Darfur and Sudan to participate in their efforts. A credible political process should not only include those who carry arms, but also civil society, women’s groups, traditional leaders and other tribes. All warring parties must show their commitment to peace by immediately accepting the ceasefire. It is unacceptable that violence is directed against the civilian population and humanitarian actors. This must stop immediately.

Fourthly, Recovery and reconstruction should take place wherever possible in order to support life-sustaining activities on the ground. Grassroots activities to promote peace, local reconciliation and recovery should match the efforts by the UN and AU. The planning for a long-term recovery and development of Darfur must at the same time outline a development plan for Darfur, based on the Darfur Joint Assessment Mission.

The deteriorating situation in Darfur has made it a global issue. The international community must respond in a concerted way. African institutions, especially the AU, have taken a heavy responsibility and must be given further support. Regional cooperation in North-East Africa must be strengthened. However, we look to the UN, and especially the Security Council, for international leadership.

Joint international action must be based on agreed principles:

• a coordinated UN and one (1) UN on the ground,
• respect for humanitarian principles,
• responsibility to protect the population,
• acceptance of international humanitarian law and respect for its institutions,
• international responsibility to cope with the environmental problems,

But first and foremost:

• Our united will to work towards a sustainable peace in Darfur together with the Sudan government and other actors on the ground.

I wish you a fruitful and constructive discussion here today during this important session. I will take this opportunity to urge you to make substantial pledges for future recovery and development efforts in all parts of Sudan on Wednesday.

Thank you for your attention.