×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Reshaping their country

SOME of the most powerful images from this month's referendum in Sudan came from the sight of individuals of all ages and backgrounds standing patiently in line to vote.

For me, watching from Pretoria, these photos mirrored pictures from another election, one held in 1994, when another people peacefully used the ballot to reshape their own country.

The people of South Africa changed history in 1994, and I believe this month's vote in Sudan is another turning point for Africa.

This is a pivotal moment for the Sudanese people, the continent and the world.

As President Barack Obama recently wrote: "Not every generation is given the chance to turn the page on the past and write a new chapter in history."

In the years before this referendum, the global community, led by African leaders, stood united to support the will of the people of that land. Through this peaceful referendum, Sudanese, both north and south, fulfilled the dreams of all people who hope for their votes to be counted, and pray for their voices to be heard.

This referendum, its extraordinarily high participation rate, and the transparent, peaceful and democratic manner in which the parties conducted themselves, is a model not only for Africa, but for the entire world. The transition of power is difficult, as recent elections have shown.

Sudan showed us what a government committed to its people, rather than committed to its own interests alone, can achieve.

South Africa has been vital to the success of the referendum in Sudan. Throughout the process, from the 2005 Peace Accord to this month's voting, President Jacob Zuma along with President Obama and other world leaders have emphasised that the vote must be held on time, and the result respected, regardless of the outcome.

In his role as African Union envoy, former President Thabo Mbeki worked tirelessly to ensure a fair, free and timely referendum.

More than 40 nations and non-governmental organisations worked in partnership to ensure a peaceful, credible vote, a vote that effectively could turn the page on one of Africa's longest and bloodiest wars.

However, the credit for this referendum should go to the people of Sudan. Millions lined up to cast their vote and determine the future of their country.

Their faith in the system, in the referendum process and in each other, after decades of war, is breathtaking.

While there were isolated incidents of violence, no party or individual amplified these isolated events into wider instability.

We fully agree with South Africa, commending both President Omar al Bashir and First Vice-President Kiir on their "personal leadership and courage . shown in facilitating a conducive and peaceful environment for citizens to participate freely and without fear in casting their ballots".

In a magnificent gesture, the Sudanese government has said that Khartoum will be the first nation to recognise the South if the referendum vote is for independence.

And while we celebrate this embrace of democracy, as the international community, we must also acknowledge the difficult work before the Sudanese people, and the continuing support that they will require.

Compromises must be reached on possible border disputes, and on the status of Abyei. An equitable and sustainable management of the nation's resources must be agreed on.

The rights of all citizens, both in the north and in the south, must be guaranteed, respected and maintained.

Just as one vote doesn't guarantee democracy, peace in Sudan will require much more than just a referendum. The United States recognises that both sides will need sustained assistance as governments and their citizens move forward.

President Obama has committed the US to supporting Sudan towards that peaceful result. He has explicitly said to Sudan's leaders that if they continue to fulfil their obligations and choose the path of peace, there is a path to normal relations with the US, including the lifting of economic sanctions and the beginning of the process, in accordance with US law, of removing Sudan from the list of states that sponsor terrorism.

The US believes in a peaceful future for the people of Sudan, and we encourage Sudan's leaders to choose that path. We commend the peoples of Sudan for their participation in the referendum, and the government of South Africa for its constructive role in the process.

  • Gips is US ambassador to South Africa

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.