Recalling the previous peace talks between the Government of the
Sudan on the one hand, the SPLM/SPLA and SPLM/SPLA-united on the
other, namely Addis Ababa in August 1989, Nairobi in December 1989,
Abuja in May/July 1992, Abuja in April/May 1993, Nairobi in May
1993, and Frankfurt in January 1992;
Cognisant of the importance of the unique opportunity afforded
by the IGADD Peace Initiative to reach a negotiated peaceful solution
to the conflict in the Sudan;
Concerned by the continued human suffering and misery in the war
affected areas:
Hereby agree in the following Declaration of Principles (DOP) that
would constitute the basis for resolving the conflict in the Sudan:
1 Any comprehensive resolution of the Sudan conflict requires
that all parties to the conflict fully accept and commit themselves
to that position that
1.1 The history and nature of the Sudan conflict demonstrate that
a military solution can not bring lasting peace and stability the
country
1.2 A peaceful and just political solution must be the common objective
of the parties to the conflict
2 The right of self-determination of the people of south Sudan
to determine their future status through a referendum must be affirmed.
3 Maintaining unity of the Sudan must be given priority by all
parties provided that the following principles are established in
the political, legal, economic and social framework of the country.
3.1 Sudan is a multi-racial, multi –ethnic, multi-religious and
multi-cultural society. Full recognition and accommodation of these
diversities must be affirmed.
3.2 Complete political and social equalities of all peoples in
the Sudan must be guaranteed by law.
3.3 Extensive rights of self-determination on the basis of federation,
autonomy, etc, to the various peoples of the Sudan must be affirmed.
3.4 A secular and democratic state must be established in the Sudan.
Freedom of belief and worship and religious practice shall be guaranteed
in full to all Sudanese citizens. State and religion shall be separated.
The basis of personal and family laws can be religion and customs.
3.5 Appropriate and fair sharing of wealth among the various people
of the Sudan must be realised.
3.6 Human rights as internationally recognised shall form part
of this arrangement and shall be embodied in constitution.
3.7 The Independence of the Judiciary shall be enshrined in the
constitution and laws of the Sudan.
4 In the absence of agreement on the above principles referred
to in 3.1 to 3.7, the respective people will have the option to
determining their future including independence through a referendum.
5 An interim arrangement shall be agreed upon, the duration and
the tasks of which should be negotiated by the parties.
6 The parties shall negotiate a cease-fire agreement to enter into
force as part of the overall settlement of the conflict in the Sudan.
Nairobi, 20th July, 1994