The CPA represents a major achievement. It ended the civil war in the Sudan and set the stage for a democratic transition of the political system. Since the agreement was signed on the 9th of January 2005, there has been considerable progress in several areas: the Government of National Unity has been formed, the Interim National Constitution adopted and the Government of Southern Sudan established. In addition, a large number of commissions have been set up. Yet at the same time, there are considerable delays in implementing key elements in the peace agreement. Examples are the Abyei protocol, demarcation of the border between the Northern and Southern Sudan, the development of a common doctrine for the Joint Integrated Units and the effective operation of the National Border Petroleum Commission. In addition, the signing of the CPA did not solve the crisis in Darfur, and it is clear that the unresolved nature of this conflict has negative consequences also for the implementation of the CPA.
21/01/2007 :: Supporting the implementation of the CPA is the centrepiece of Norwegian involvement in Sudan. This is because Norway sees the full implementation as essential in order to achieve two essential objectives: first, peacebuilding on the basis of just power and wealth sharing, and entrenching democratic governance in the whole country. Sudan receives the largest amount of Norwegian aid of any country, a total of NOK 700 million (budgeted for 2007). The aid goes to humanitarian relief, development assistance and target contributions in support of the two aims mentioned above. Most of Norwegian aid is channeled through the two multi-donor trust funds and the UN system.
Assessment and Evaluation Commission
Norway seeks to maintain good relations with both parties to the Peace Agreement, as well as with members of the international community. The Assessment and Evaluation Commission (AEC) is important in this regard. Chaired by a senior Norwegian diplomat, Ambassador Tom E. Vraalsen, the AEC was established in 2005 and has a broad membership. It is the main body for overseeing the implementation of this peace agreement, and as such one of the most important bodies set up in fullfilment of the stipulations of the CPA. While the AEC monitors and assesses the implementation, the commission also provides advice to the Sudanese presidency with regards to improving institutions and arrangements connected to the CPA. The AEC, as well as its working groups (on Power Sharing, Wealth Sharing, Security, and the Three Areas), has also become an important forum for debate on matters relating to the peace agreement and its implementation.
The AEC is located in Khartoum, but is in the process of opening offices in Juba.
NORAMB/Endre Stiansen