By Zipporah Njeri

NAIROBI, March 9 (NNN-KNC) — The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has expressed concern over the implementation of the southern Sudan peace agreement ahead of elections in the country next month.

Kenyan Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula is calling on the international community to honour their pledge of 4.8 billion USD to assist in the implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which ended the fighting between northern and southern Sudan, and ensure peace in the oil-rich country.

The CPA signed five years ago heightened hopes of ending the 20-year civil war in Sudan but IGAD is now expressing concern over commitments not just by the donors who pledged funds to see it’s implementation but also among the warring parties.

The rebellion in Darfur in western Sudan began when non-Arab minorities took up arms against the Arab government in Khartoum, demanding better representation and economic aid.

The leaders in the south meanwhile want the peace agreement fully implemented to bolster peace as Southern Sudan prepares for a major referendum early next year on whether or not it should remain as a part of Sudan.

Heads of state meet on Tuesday when the IGAD meeting proper starts with Sudan expected to be represented by the vice-president. — NNN-KBC

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