Calm replaces confusion

The death of Dr. Garang may not be the end to peace in Sudan

By James B. Kimbowa and Mai Rasmussen

Sudan seems to be on track again after the shocking and disturbing death of the southern leader.

The news of Dr. John Garang’s death in a helicopter crash broke on Monday the 1st of August. The following days were confusion, sorrow, and riots, killing more than 100 persons in Khartoum.

And worry: How serious were the riots, would they disturb the peace process? And who could fill the shoes of Dr. Garang as President of Southern Sudan and 1st Vice President of Sudan - and the man who not only led the huge country to peace but who was also to guide his countrymen through the minefield of making the peace last?

After the first days of turmoil, confident glances to the future now seem feasible.

Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, SPLM, appointed Mr. Salva Kiir Mayardit as Garang’s successor. 54 year old Kiir is one of the SPLM founders, a Dinka by tribe, and a much renowned bush fighter. He has fought side by side and sometimes also face to face with Dr. Garang. Just before the signing of the peace agreement, Kiir stirred a row inside the SPLM by criticising the then leader’s style for being autocratic. This could be seen as a sign of the SPLM taking on a more inclusive and democratic leadership style with Mr. Kiir taking over.

Analysts describe him as being not intellectual and easily bored in long speeches. And as a man who - despite his previous support for secession - is likely to ensure continuity in the implementation of the peace agreement signed by Garang in January this year.

The tasks to be solved are enormous. The riots following Garang’s death is perceived as an example of what is probably the peace’s biggest challenge: The lack of trust between north and south. North and south Sudanese attacked each other, looted and burned houses and shops.

The violence, however, calmed down when the body of the diceased leader was laid to rest in the southern ‘capital’ of Juba. Choosing that town for the rebel leader’s burial site is highly political: Throughout the 21 years of civil war, SPLM fought for the town but it remained under Khartoum rule.

Ensuring tranquillity during the burial ceremony on Saturday the 6th of August meant withdrawal on northern and deployment of southern troops in that town. This could have paved the way for speeding up the process of shifting the south government to Juba, which the SPLM has announced will be its future address.
Thus, though sad and terrible - the very death of the leader points in the direction of the future.