EL-FASHIR, Sudan, 16 April 2005 — US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick paid a brief visit to Sudan’s war-ravaged western region of Darfur yesterday on the second day of a trip to foster peace in Africa’s largest country. Zoellick, the most senior US official to visit Sudan since former Secretary of State Colin Powell in July last year, arrived at El-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur state, after a visit to the interim southern capital of Rumbek.
His trip came after donor countries meeting in Oslo on Tuesday pledged $4.5 billion in aid to help rebuild the devastated country. In Rumbek, Zoellick met former rebel leader John Garang, who signed a signed a peace accord with Khartoum in January to end 21 years of civil war, Africa’s longest running conflict.
The US official said Garang laid out his plans for the vast southern region, down to specifics on how he intended to use money pledged with the emphasis on infrastructure, roads, telecommunications, “the basics to build the region”.
Zoellick said he also discussed with Garang, leader of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), the feasibility of the timelines envisioned by the January peace agreement.
The pact ushered in a six-month pre-interim period during which both sides are to carry out preparations before the official six-year transitional period starts, when the south begins running its own affairs.
The war in the south erupted in 1983 when rebels led by Garang rose up against Khartoum to end Arab and Muslim domination and marginalization of the black, animist and Christian south.
Zoellick also asked for Garang’s help on Darfur, particularly in dealing with tribal groups that some hope can play a role in bridging disputes between the warring parties in the region.
