The government of Egypt convened a two-day workshop between the National Congress Party (NCP) and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) to discuss the unity of Sudan.
EGYPT CONVENES NCP AND SPLM WORKSHOP TO DISCUSS UNITY
The workshop took place in Cairo, Egypt’s capital, on February 21 and 22.
SPLM Secretary General, Pagan Amum, told the press this morning at Juba International Airport after arriving from Nairobi, Kenya, that the Cairo workshop discussed the matter of unity after the end of the interim period.
Mr. Amum added that for unity to be maintained Sudan has to be re-structured and transformed into a country where all citizens are equal regardless of culture and religious background.
Mr. Amum said the Cairo workshop also discussed the revision of the wealth sharing formula.
He explained that current formula that allocates half of the south’s oil revenue to the north is unfair and does not make unity attractive.
The SPLM also advocates for the creation of a secular state separating religion from government.
Mr. Amum added that the NCP and the SPLM agreed that the referendum must take place on January 9, 2011.
He noted that issues related to making unity attractive have not been agreed upon and the two parties decided to meet again to discuss more on the pending issues.
Egypt is growing increasingly nervous with the separation of South Sudan because it may affect the sharing on the Nile water resources.