Sudan, rebels agree to share oil revenue

NAIVASHA, Kenya (AP) — Sudanese government and rebel negotiators signed an agreement yesterday to share the nation’s wealth, thus eliminating a key obstacle to reaching a comprehensive peace agreement.

Among the riches to be shared by the government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army is revenue from the 250,000 barrels of oil per day coming from the south.

“This moment in which we have signed a wealth-sharing agreement spells an end to the long episode of war and conflict in our country. It confirms the mutual desire and will to go on with the process,” Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Mohammed Taha said.

Rebel leader John Garang said: “It is a major achievement that will take us closer to a just and lasting peace in our country. … We are determined to build on this and previous agreements and strive hard to reach a comprehensive agreement.”

The two sides agreed to equally split net oil revenue from the south during a six-year transition period, said rebel spokesman Samson Kwaje.

The agreement would also set up a monetary system allowing for Islamic banking in the north and Western banking in the south and introduce a new national currency. Currently all of Sudan’s major banks adhere to Islamic law, which forbids most forms of interest.

Africa’s longest-running war has left more than 2 million people dead, mainly through war-induced famine. The war erupted in 1983 when southern rebels took up arms against the predominantly Arab and Muslim north.

Sudan began exporting petroleum in 1999. After the country began pumping oil, the rebels and international human rights groups accused the government of forcing tens of thousands of southern villagers to flee the oil region.

In July 2002, shortly after the peace process began, the parties agreed to a six-year transition period during which the south will have a regional administration. After that period, southerners will vote in a referendum on whether to secede.

“They are making very, very good progress,” U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Tuesday of the negotiations being held in Kenya. He deemed it “highly possible” that an agreement could be reached before the end of the month.

Two key issues remain in the peace talks: the administration of three disputed areas in central Sudan and power sharing, which includes the rebel group’s representation in a government, National Assembly and civil service during the transition period.