Southern militia reunites with SPLM/A

A southern militia group operating in Upper Nile, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army-United (SPLM/A-U), officially rejoined the larger Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) on Friday. A declaration signed by Dr Lam Akol, the chairman of the SPLM/A-U, and Salva Kiir, the chief of general staff of the SPLM/A, agreed to an immediate merger of the two forces under the SPLM/A name, stating that "a united stand is the only sure way to bring the war to a just and speedy end". It said the reunited forces recognised the peace process "as the only viable and most credible forum for the resolution of the conflict in Sudan", and were committed to the continuation of the south-south dialogue to bring reconciliation to southerners. Three technical committees will be formed to effect the merger of the military forces, political structures, and humanitarian wings, which will make recommendations to the two leaders within a month. After the signing of the agreement in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, Lam Akol said it was an "historic day" and that time had healed the differences between the two groups. "We want to look forward, not to be captured by the past," he said. "We are determined to forgive each other and to go forward in great strides of unity." Lam Akol was a senior member of the SPLM/A before breaking away with other commanders, including Dr Riek Machar, in a rebellion that split the movement in 1991. He broke with Riek in 1995, signed the Fashoda Agreement with the government in 1997 and served as its transport minister for five years. After a falling out with the government in 2002 he resigned from the ruling party, and became a key member of the newly-formed opposition Justice Party in August 2002. Salva Kiir told reporters in Nairobi that the SPLM/A was currently making contact with "many" other southern militias in its quest for "peace and unity" in Sudan. "The rest of the armed groups will also be brought on board," he said. He added that the SPLM/A was in contact with them "on a daily basis", and that without their support "there will be not meaningful peace". Regional analysts estimate that there are about 35 other militia groups in Sudan, the SPLM/A-U being one of the more important ones. Riek Machar, the leader of the another key militia, the Sudan People's Democratic Front, merged with the SPLM/A in January 2002. It is not clear what position Lam Akol will hold within the SPLM, or whether he will take part in peace negotiations with the government, which will resume at the end of November.