Dr. Awad Mursi Taha, the Sudan Ambassador to Nigeria spokeabout the much awaited referendum, bilateral ties with Nigeria, the Darfur crisis as well as President Omar Al-bashir’s case with the International Criminal Court(ICC) amongst other issues.
Weekly Trust: Almost four months away from the much talked about referendum in your country, which is a corner in the Comprehensive Peace Pact (CPA).What are the expectations?
Dr. Awad Taha: The referendum in the south is the last component of the CPA. According to the provisions, both the government of Sudan and the Sudan people’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) are duty bound to make the unity attractive. It could be recalled that during the signing of the CPA in Kenya in 2005, the leader of the SPLM, late John Garang, said the deal opens the way for a more pluralistic Sudan. Similarly, President Al Bashir made efforts towards that direction. Omar pledged to respect the outcome of the referendum. But it is unfortunate that some top leaders in the South seem to lack the political will to advocate for unity of the country as perceived by the CPA. Instead, they are urging the people in the South to vote for secession. Under such circumstances, I expect the citizens in the South to be influenced and `force’ by such leaders to vote against the unity. Regrettably, however, the president of the Southern Sudan, Mr, Salva Kiir recently said that `unity is not an option’ and added that the will vote for secession. The result of any breakaway will be very negative for both the North and the South and will cast negative image on the region and the continent at large. It has a tendency of encouraging secession in other African countries, where disputes can be settled amicably. African leaders should move to stop the expected trend.
WT: Given the challenges involved, how really prepared is Sudan forthe refrendum?
Dr. Awad Taha: Sincerely, so far, the level of preparations is low. The Secretary General of the Commission has just been agreed upon two weeks ago. Technically and logistically, the Commission is unable to start some basic things like voter registration. But I believe that the assistance of the international community is needed for a smooth and transparent referendum. Other challenges include demarcation of the North/South border and that of Abeyei, completion of the redeployment of the military forces and how to deal with growing tribal conflicts in Southern Sudan. But despite all these challenges, there would be no delay in the referendum.
WT: There is a school of thought that argues that the ruling NCP and President al-Bashir are somehow `scared’ of the outcome of the referendum. The proposition is that, the bulk of the country’s oil deposit is in the South and the North might lose out economically. How do you react to that?
Dr. Awad Taha: I do not agree with that proposition, because the CPA was endorsed in 2005, seven years after the oil exploration in Sudan. However, President al-Bashir reiterated his commitment to respect the choice of the Southerners in either way. Less you forget, the much talked about oil in the South has also been discovered in the North, so how would the people of the North be scared of losing oil deposit? But whatever the case, the two sides need each other. They need to cooperate, because the oil reserve is in the South but the pipe lines, refineries as well as other infrastructure are in the North. So the relationship has to be mutual.
WT: Can you clarify on the allegations of the sack of some international aid workers amongst others.
Dr. Awad Taha: Even though I am not claiming that we are 100 per cent perfect in that regard but our record on human rights has improved significantly. Last week, the Human Rights Council debated the situation of human rights in Sudan in respect of reports submitted by Mr. Mohammed Chande Osman, the independent expert on Sudan and the Sudanese government was commended. Yes, a few international aid workers were expelled for violating the law of the land, but today we have more than 100 genuine aid agencies working.
WT: At various fora, President al-Bashir often blame the western media for tilting stories affecting Sudan. He accuses them of; misinformation about the crisis in Darfur and other general issues. What is the true situation?
Dr. Awad Taha: Yes, I totally agree with the president and share the same view. The Western media based their reports and stories on faulty information, fallacies and guess work, together with very few facts. The Darfur conflict was badly covered by the Western media which gave rise to the international misinterpretation of the issues involved. The claims of genocide, weapon of mass destruction, crime against humanity, slavery, ethnic cleansing etc were all imaginary ideas and stories. It is so unfortunate that the media in Africa often get regurgitated or copies of such media content and disseminate to the public.
WT : Tell us about the International Criminal Court, African Union and the al-Bashir `muscle flexing’?
Dr. Awad Taha: Well, Africa through the A.U has already taken a bold and tough stance on the arrest issue by the so-called ICC. At A.U summits in Libya, 2009, Ethiopia, and recently in Uganda those stance were made public. At home, the people of Sudan both in the North and South and irrespective of their political orientation have strongly condemned the action of the ICC. Even the tribes of Fur, Zagawa and Massalit who are perceived by the ICC as victims have come out to strongly condemn the ICC’s mission.
WT: It has been widely reported that the mortality figure recorded in the Darfur crisis is in the region of two million. Though severally denied by President al-Bashir, can you give us an official version of the figures?
Dr Awad Taha: The Darfur conflict mortality figures have been claimed to range from 250,000; 300,000; 400,000; 550,000; 800,000 and now you mentioned two million. All these are false and inflated figures. The mortality for groups such as Save Darfur Coalition, American Service, Darfur Urgency, Human Rights Watch etc is merely a money making venture. However, the death toll can be estimated to be about 9 to 10 thousand.
WT: Nigeria and Sudan are two of the three oil giants in Africa, what are the main areas of diplomatic relations and what are the benefits for both states?
Dr. Awad Taha: Our assessment indicates that bilateral ties exist not only in diplomatic and political spheres but also in trade, culture, investments, education and agriculture. Based on this, the two countries have agreed to upgrade the joint ministerial committee to a Bilateral Commission to be headed by the Vice Presidents of both countries. Nigeria has been in the fore front of peace building in Sudan. For example, the Darfur Peace Agreement(DPA)was signed in Abuja, Nigeria’s commitment towards peace and stability in Sudan is further demonstrated by her commitment to participate in peace keeping mission in Darfur as the largest contributing country.
WT: Do you have an idea of the number of Nigerians living and working in Sudan? How are they faring?
Dr. Awad Taha: I know more than 2,000 Nigerian students are currently studying in Sudanese universities and high colleges and the number is growing rapidly. Some of the students are self sponsored and some by the governments of their respective states or provinces. Apart from the students, also a considerable number of Nigerians live and work and do business in Sudan. I don’t have the exact figure of this category. However, Sudanese from Nigerian origins are believed to be a few millions.
WT: Being the third largest oil producer in the continent, after Nigeria and Angola, it is obvious that Sudan has concentrated her investment and foreign exchange means mainly in oil. Are there plans of investment and economic diversification?
Dr. Awad Taha: Yes, there is indeed a growing need and awareness for economic diversification away from oil which today accounts for about 95% of Sudan’s export. Sudan is predominantly an agricultural country, so already we have started to implement a comprehensive strategy to revamp our agricultural sector. We have cultivatable, fertile land of more than 200 million acres with abundant water resource and diversity of climate.
WT: According to a United Nation’s report, virtually all Millennium Development Goals targets will not be met in Southern Sudan due to humanitarian and development challenges. Why is the South that handicapped? Is it is as a result of years of systematic neglect from the central government anchored by President Bashir or are there other reasons?
Dr. Awad Taha: When President al-Bashir came to power, the civil in the South was at its peak. Development cannot be achieved in a crisis environment. The conflict in the South has devastated and destroyed almost all infrastructures and major projects. There is an existing wealth sharing formular, the South is getting 50per cent of the oil revenues, the Southern Sudan government received more than $9 billion from the oil revenue since 2005, Meanwhile, the central government has executed projects worth more than $1 billion in the south.
Dr. Awad Mursi Taha, the Sudan Ambassador to Nigeria spokeabout the much awaited referendum, bilateral ties with Nigeria, the Darfur crisis as well as President Omar Al-bashir’s case with the International Criminal Court(ICC) amongst other issues.
Weekly Trust: Almost four months away from the much talked about referendum in your country, which is a corner in the Comprehensive Peace Pact (CPA).What are the expectations?
Dr. Awad Taha: The referendum in the south is the last component of the CPA. According to the provisions, both the government of Sudan and the Sudan people’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) are duty bound to make the unity attractive. It could be recalled that during the signing of the CPA in Kenya in 2005, the leader of the SPLM, late John Garang, said the deal opens the way for a more pluralistic Sudan. Similarly, President Al Bashir made efforts towards that direction. Omar pledged to respect the outcome of the referendum. But it is unfortunate that some top leaders in the South seem to lack the political will to advocate for unity of the country as perceived by the CPA. Instead, they are urging the people in the South to vote for secession. Under such circumstances, I expect the citizens in the South to be influenced and `force’ by such leaders to vote against the unity. Regrettably, however, the president of the Southern Sudan, Mr, Salva Kiir recently said that `unity is not an option’ and added that the will vote for secession. The result of any breakaway will be very negative for both the North and the South and will cast negative image on the region and the continent at large. It has a tendency of encouraging secession in other African countries, where disputes can be settled amicably. African leaders should move to stop the expected trend.
WT: Given the challenges involved, how really prepared is Sudan forthe refrendum?
Dr. Awad Taha: Sincerely, so far, the level of preparations is low. The Secretary General of the Commission has just been agreed upon two weeks ago. Technically and logistically, the Commission is unable to start some basic things like voter registration. But I believe that the assistance of the international community is needed for a smooth and transparent referendum. Other challenges include demarcation of the North/South border and that of Abeyei, completion of the redeployment of the military forces and how to deal with growing tribal conflicts in Southern Sudan. But despite all these challenges, there would be no delay in the referendum.
WT: There is a school of thought that argues that the ruling NCP and President al-Bashir are somehow `scared’ of the outcome of the referendum. The proposition is that, the bulk of the country’s oil deposit is in the South and the North might lose out economically. How do you react to that?
Dr. Awad Taha: I do not agree with that proposition, because the CPA was endorsed in 2005, seven years after the oil exploration in Sudan. However, President al-Bashir reiterated his commitment to respect the choice of the Southerners in either way. Less you forget, the much talked about oil in the South has also been discovered in the North, so how would the people of the North be scared of losing oil deposit? But whatever the case, the two sides need each other. They need to cooperate, because the oil reserve is in the South but the pipe lines, refineries as well as other infrastructure are in the North. So the relationship has to be mutual.
WT: Can you clarify on the allegations of the sack of some international aid workers amongst others.
Dr. Awad Taha: Even though I am not claiming that we are 100 per cent perfect in that regard but our record on human rights has improved significantly. Last week, the Human Rights Council debated the situation of human rights in Sudan in respect of reports submitted by Mr. Mohammed Chande Osman, the independent expert on Sudan and the Sudanese government was commended. Yes, a few international aid workers were expelled for violating the law of the land, but today we have more than 100 genuine aid agencies working.
WT: At various fora, President al-Bashir often blame the western media for tilting stories affecting Sudan. He accuses them of; misinformation about the crisis in Darfur and other general issues. What is the true situation?
Dr. Awad Taha: Yes, I totally agree with the president and share the same view. The Western media based their reports and stories on faulty information, fallacies and guess work, together with very few facts. The Darfur conflict was badly covered by the Western media which gave rise to the international misinterpretation of the issues involved. The claims of genocide, weapon of mass destruction, crime against humanity, slavery, ethnic cleansing etc were all imaginary ideas and stories. It is so unfortunate that the media in Africa often get regurgitated or copies of such media content and disseminate to the public.
WT : Tell us about the International Criminal Court, African Union and the al-Bashir `muscle flexing’?
Dr. Awad Taha: Well, Africa through the A.U has already taken a bold and tough stance on the arrest issue by the so-called ICC. At A.U summits in Libya, 2009, Ethiopia, and recently in Uganda those stance were made public. At home, the people of Sudan both in the North and South and irrespective of their political orientation have strongly condemned the action of the ICC. Even the tribes of Fur, Zagawa and Massalit who are perceived by the ICC as victims have come out to strongly condemn the ICC’s mission.
WT: It has been widely reported that the mortality figure recorded in the Darfur crisis is in the region of two million. Though severally denied by President al-Bashir, can you give us an official version of the figures?
Dr Awad Taha: The Darfur conflict mortality figures have been claimed to range from 250,000; 300,000; 400,000; 550,000; 800,000 and now you mentioned two million. All these are false and inflated figures. The mortality for groups such as Save Darfur Coalition, American Service, Darfur Urgency, Human Rights Watch etc is merely a money making venture. However, the death toll can be estimated to be about 9 to 10 thousand.
WT: Nigeria and Sudan are two of the three oil giants in Africa, what are the main areas of diplomatic relations and what are the benefits for both states?
Dr. Awad Taha: Our assessment indicates that bilateral ties exist not only in diplomatic and political spheres but also in trade, culture, investments, education and agriculture. Based on this, the two countries have agreed to upgrade the joint ministerial committee to a Bilateral Commission to be headed by the Vice Presidents of both countries. Nigeria has been in the fore front of peace building in Sudan. For example, the Darfur Peace Agreement(DPA)was signed in Abuja, Nigeria’s commitment towards peace and stability in Sudan is further demonstrated by her commitment to participate in peace keeping mission in Darfur as the largest contributing country.
WT: Do you have an idea of the number of Nigerians living and working in Sudan? How are they faring?
Dr. Awad Taha: I know more than 2,000 Nigerian students are currently studying in Sudanese universities and high colleges and the number is growing rapidly. Some of the students are self sponsored and some by the governments of their respective states or provinces. Apart from the students, also a considerable number of Nigerians live and work and do business in Sudan. I don’t have the exact figure of this category. However, Sudanese from Nigerian origins are believed to be a few millions.
WT: Being the third largest oil producer in the continent, after Nigeria and Angola, it is obvious that Sudan has concentrated her investment and foreign exchange means mainly in oil. Are there plans of investment and economic diversification?
Dr. Awad Taha: Yes, there is indeed a growing need and awareness for economic diversification away from oil which today accounts for about 95% of Sudan’s export. Sudan is predominantly an agricultural country, so already we have started to implement a comprehensive strategy to revamp our agricultural sector. We have cultivatable, fertile land of more than 200 million acres with abundant water resource and diversity of climate.
WT: According to a United Nation’s report, virtually all Millennium Development Goals targets will not be met in Southern Sudan due to humanitarian and development challenges. Why is the South that handicapped? Is it is as a result of years of systematic neglect from the central government anchored by President Bashir or are there other reasons?
Dr. Awad Taha: When President al-Bashir came to power, the civil in the South was at its peak. Development cannot be achieved in a crisis environment. The conflict in the South has devastated and destroyed almost all infrastructures and major projects. There is an existing wealth sharing formular, the South is getting 50per cent of the oil revenues, the Southern Sudan government received more than $9 billion from the oil revenue since 2005, Meanwhile, the central government has executed projects worth more than $1 billion in the south.
