Memorandum of Understanding on Cessation of Hostilities
Between the Government of the Sudan
and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army
Preamble:
The Government of the Republic of the Sudan (GOS) and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/ Army (SPLM/ A), hereafter referred to as the Parties, agree:
1. To resume the negotiations on 15th October 2002 from where they stopped in Machakos, Kenya, on Monday 2nd September 2002, under the auspices of IGAD and according to the Machakos Protocol of the 20th July 2002 and the agreed Agenda.
2. To create and maintain a conducive atmosphere throughout the negotiations until all the outstanding issues in the Conflict are resolved. Therefore, the Parties shall undertake upon signature of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to maintain a period of tranquility during negotiations by ceasing hostilities in all areas of the Sudan and ensuring a military stand down for their own forces, including allied forces and affiliated militia. This MOU however, does not affect the right of either party to take any legitimate measures in self-defense against any hostile act from a party of force other than those referred to above.
3. For the purpose of this MOU, "cessation of hostilities" means the following:
- To retain current military positions;
- Refrain from any offensive military action by all forces;
- Cease laying of landmines;
- Refrain from occupation of new areas;
- Cease supplying all areas with Weapons and ammunition;
- Refrain from any acts of violence or other abuse on the civilian population;
- Freeze media wars and propaganda against one another.
4. The Parties request the Mediators to establish a channel of communications between them to facilitate the implementation of the cessation of hostilities, assist with verification of complaints, and exchange information on supply of non-combat items and on rotation of troops.
5. The Parties shall allow unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas and for people in need, in accordance with the Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS) Agreement.
6. The Parties also agree that the negotiations will be conducted in good faith and in good will in order to conclude within the shortest time possible from the date of reconvening of the Talks.
7. This MOU shall enter into force at 12:00 hours Sudan Local Time on Thursday 17th October, 2002 and remain in effect until the negotiations are concluded, and no later than 31st December 2002.
8. This MOU may be renewed by mutual consent of the Parties to conclude negotiations on any outstanding issues.
Hon. Idris Mohammed Abdel Gadir
For: the Government of the Sudan
Cdr. Nhial Deng Nhial
For: The Sudan People's Liberation
Movement/Army
Lt. Gen. Lazaro K. Sumbeiywo
Special Envoy
IGAD Sudan Peace Process and
On behalf of IGAD Envoys
United States Institute of Peace -- 1200 17th Street NW -- Washington, DC 20036
(202) 457-1700 (phone) -- (202) 429-6063 (fax)
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