Document
4 August, 2005
Your Excellency,
On behalf of the World Council of Churches, a fellowship of 347 churches around
the world, and on my own behalf, I congratulate you on your nomination for
appointment as First Vice-president of the government of Sudan and President
of South Sudan. This letter is for me both a personal joy in your regard and a
reminder of sorrow at the untimely and tragic death of John Garang.
The World Council of Churches has a long and historical relationship with the
struggle of the people and the churches of Sudan in their search for a just and
durable peace. The Council was instrumental in brokering the Addis Ababa Peace
Accord in 1972 between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation
Movement/Army (SPLM/A). As a result of this accord there was peace in the country
till the re-initiation of the conflict in 1983. In more recent times the Council,
through the Sudan Ecumenical Forum, supported and accompanied the churches
in their pursuit for peace and justice. On the signing of the Peace Agreement
in January 2005 I had written to the leadership of Sudan, including Dr Garang,
on this bold initiative to traverse the path of peace. I assured them of the ecumenical
movement's continuing support towards reconciliation and reconstruction
in Sudan.
As a brother in the struggle to secure Africa's future, you now assume responsibility
to lead Sudan at a critical juncture. The entire eyes of the world are watching
developments in your country. An onerous task lies ahead of you to ensure
that the people of Sudan are able to taste the fruits of peace after having suffered
twenty years of gruelling civil war. At this moment I fondly recall your unequivocal
support in helping the People to People Peace Process of the Sudanese churches
to get off the ground. Without your personal commitment the Wunlit Conference,
the starting point for Dinka and Nuer reconciliation, would not have been possible.
We in WCC are certain that given your experience and political acumen
you will be able to work towards the implementation of the January 2005
Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
We take this opportunity to express our solidarity and support in your efforts as
you lead Sudan through this transition period. The World Council of Churches,
the churches in Sudan and their ecumenical partners are willing to do whatever
is necessary in order to ensure unity and a just peace for all the people of Sudan.
With best wishes to you personally, the SPLM and the people of Sudan.
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia
General Secretary
