Sudan: Bashir announces national unity government

Sudanese President Omar al Bashir announced on Wednesday the formation of a new government of national unity in accordance with the terms of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed between the government and the southern Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A).

Xinhua Sep 21 excerpt:

Analysts say that the biggest disappointment for the southern Sudanese is that they have not been given the energy and mining ministry which includes the oil sector.

President Omar al Bashir's ruling National Congress Party (NCP) retained the powerful energy portfolio after weeks of tough negotiations with the former rebel, Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM).

The north also keeps control of the key defense, interior and finance posts.

Of the 29 ministries, 16 remain in the hands of the northern NCP, nine go to the SPLM, the former southern rebels, and smaller groups have the others.

The interim government will remain in place until legislative elections are held in around four years.

A six-year post-war interim rule started in July, after which the south will hold a referendum on self-determination.

In a Sep 21 article entitled "Sudan unity under test" Aljazeera says Sudan has six years to make unity work.



Photo: Al-Bashir termed the unity government a good omen (Aljazeera)

Further reading:

Sep 20 Sudan Tribune Full list of Sudanese government of national unity by presidential decree. [Note, another list points out the 74-strong line-up includes only five women]

Sep 21 AFP report: Sudan national unity govt faces tough task.

Sep 21 Reuters report: S. Sudanese unhappy with new government.

Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa