South Sudanese Hopes of Attaining their Own State Suffer Setback

Southern Sudanese hopes of attaining their own independent state have suffered two setbacks within a matter of days. In his report on Sudan, U.S. special envoy John Danforth dismisses the option of secession, enshrined in the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Declaration of Principles. These seven brief proposals, agreed in 1994, have formed the basis of subsequent peace negotiations aimed at ending Sudan's decades-old civil war. Instead, Danforth argues that it is more ''feasible'' and ''preferable'' for Sudan to remain one country, with southern Sudanese living under a government that respects their religion and culture. Samson Kwaje, spokesperson for the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), says he is unhappy with Danforth's conclusions.