Inter-ethnic/State Relations: Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement
Implementations
Inter-ethnic/State Relations – 2005
The accord does not specifically provide for inter-ethnic state relations, but the SPLM/A conflict in Sudan had religious and ethnic components to it and was envisaged to be managed through devolution of powers at the national, state and local levels of government, including in southern Sudan. In this regard, as per the 2005 CPA provision, the 2005 national interim constitution recognized autonomy status of the government of southern Sudan. The CPA and the interim constitution clearly outline autonomy status of governments at different levels and their obligation. According to the inter-governmental provisions of the CPA, the president of Sudan appointed governors of 15 northern states in 2005. Similarly, the first-vice president and president of southern Sudan appointed governors of 10 southern states in 2005. This could be taken as initiation of implementation of the inter-governmental relations provisions in the CPA. Nevertheless, the state level constitution was not finalized in 2005.
Inter-ethnic/State Relations – 2006
By 19 December 2006, all fifteen Northern states had adopted state constitution. The southern state had yet to adopt a constitution.1 An attempt to make the state constitution compatible with the Interim National Constitution resulted in a delay as the states would not overstep its constitutional boundaries. Therefore, inter-state relations provision of the accord was not implemented in 2006.
Inter-ethnic/State Relations – 2007
After much wrangling over the compatibility of the constitution of southern states, all 10 southern states received compatibility certificates and adopted the state constitution by July 2007. No issues emerged on intergovernmental relations.
Inter-ethnic/State Relations – 2008
All states adopted their constitutions. No issues emerged on intergovernmental relations.
Inter-ethnic/State Relations – 2009
All states adopted their constitutions. No issues emerged on intergovernmental relations.
Inter-ethnic/State Relations – 2010
In April 2010, there were elections at the state level in which the SPLM candidate won gubernatorial position in nine out of ten states in the South. In Central Equatoria State of Southern Sudan, an independent candidate won the elections. NCP candidates won the elections for the office of Governor in thirteen Northern States. In Blue Nile State, the SPLM won the election. Gubernatorial elections in Southern Kordofan were postponed as agreed upon by the CPA parties.
Inter-ethnic/State Relations – 2011
Election in Southern Kordofan took place in May 2011. The result was disputed, which led to clashes between the Sudan Armed forces and SPLM/A.2Despite disputes related to elections results, no issues emerged regarding intergovernmental relations. Obligations and autonomy of governments at different levels were finalized in constitutions at the state level in 2006 and at southern Sudan and national levels in 2005.