Sudan: Security sought for upcoming elections

Peace in Sudan remains an uncertainty ahead of the country's first general elections in 24 years, according to the African Union Commission chief, Jean Ping.

With two months to go before the decisive presidential and parliamentary elections, the United Nations (U.N.) and the AU want to ensure that elections take place without an eruption of violence between the north and the south, which can also risk instability in the region.

Addressing the media before the start of the 14th annual AU Summit in Ethiopia on Jan. 31, AU Commission chairman, Jean Ping said the prospects for peace appeared unpredictable ahead of the crucial elections.

“We do not pretend that in 2010 there will be no crisis, but Africa hopes to find African solutions to these crises, Ping said. The AU has also declared 2010 the year of peace and security for Africa, in addition to focusing on information, technology and communication.”

Ping added that the body remained committed to ensuring Sudan's April elections were peaceful. “AU will remain active [in assisting] the Sudanese ensure they have lasting peace.”

A recent report from the Enough Project, a project of the Center for American Progress to end genocide and crimes against humanity, warned that there was a risk of a new civil war.

The report added that both the nationwide elections and the 2011 referendum, on whether the oil-rich and semi-autonomous south should secede from the Khartoum-led north, would not be free and fair.

The Sudanese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Akuei Bona Malwal, said preparations for the elections were ongoing, but the possibility of insecurity was an issue.

He said he hoped the international community and the Sudanese authorities would ensure proper coordination so that the election would take place in a peaceful manner.

He also warned that the question of security is essential to ensure a peaceful election.