The African Union urges Sudan and South Sudan to expeditiously complete the ongoing discussions on nationality and related matters
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, February 17, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union
(AU), Jean Ping, has been following closely the talks on nationality convened by the AU
High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), bringing together the representatives of the
Government of Sudan and the Government of the Republic of South Sudan. The talks,
which were held in Addis Ababa, from 12 to 15 February 2012, were chaired by former
President Pierre Buyoya, member of the AUHIP.
The discussions focused particularly on the implementation of the Transition Period
agreed to by the Parties and due to expire on 8 April 2012. The Parties sought to adopt
joint actions to address the status and treatment of the nationals of each State residing
within the territory of the other State.
The discussions also addressed the important concept of the Four Freedoms, which would
permit the movement, residence, economic activity and ownership of property within the
territories of the two States.
During the meeting, the Panel received reports from each State on the steps it has taken
to introduce nationality and related legislation; the documentation of its nationals; the
process of repatriation and returns; and the general status of nationals in the other State.
The Chairperson of the Commission notes the progress each State has made to adopt
legislation relating to nationality, and appeals to the leadership of both States to adopt
processes for the acquisition of nationality and relevant immigration documentation that
are efficient and accessible to individuals.
On the question of returns, the two States discussed the Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) Regarding the Returns of Southern Sudanese signed in Khartoum, on 12 February
2012. The Chairperson of the Commission commends both Parties for taking important
joint decisions aimed at facilitating safe and dignified voluntary returns, and urges them
to ensure that the MoU is implemented in full. The Chairperson continues to take a keen
interest in the humanitarian situation of South Sudanese who are in transit to South
Sudan and looks forward to the successful completion of the repatriation exercise.
The Chairperson of the Commission notes that the two States have made significant
progress in the negotiations and welcomes the decision, in principle, to establish a Joint
High-level Committee to oversee the implementation of joint measures relating to all
matters regarding the status and treatment of nationals of the other State. This
Committee will enable the two States to cooperate, at both technical and political levels,
on the issues relating to the status of nationals.
The Chairperson strongly supports the recommendation made by the AUHIP that the two
States establish the Joint High-Level Committee to immediately address all outstanding
issues, giving priority to humanitarian aspects, in particular returns; documentation; the
Four Freedoms; and a further review of the Transition Period. The Chairperson looks
forward to the early signing of the text on Nationalities and Related Matters prepared by
the AUHIP.
The Chairperson of the Commission was distressed to learn of demonstrations by
Southern Sudanese citizens residing in Khartoum on 15 February 2012. Such incidents
underscore the importance of the two states reaching agreement on all matters
pertaining to the status and treatment of their nationals in the other state. It is a matter
of critical importance to the lives and well being of thousands of Sudanese and Southern
Sudanese citizens.
The Chairperson impresses upon the Parties the need to consider, as paramount, the
welfare and rights of all citizens, Sudanese and South Sudanese, residing in either state.
He is of the firm view that this concern should be at the core of all negotiations between
the two States.
SOURCE
African Union Commission (AUC)
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