EU support to strengthen peace in Sudan

The European Union has allocated 13,5 million Euro under the “Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace” for Sudan over the next three years. The new programme, adopted on 29 July, will continue to contribute to peace, security and stability in Sudan, especially in the conflict-affected areas in the vicinity of its southern border. It will also address a range of other needs, including those linked to the impact on Sudan of the most recent conflict in South Sudan, the Delegation of the European Union to Sudan announced in a press release on Tuesday. “The programme will primarily support stabilisation, democratization, and good governance in Sudan through technical support to local peace processes, and the generation of visible peace dividends for local communities,” the press release said. “Also, small scale infrastructure projects will bring together local communities in conflict-affected areas, and thus help mitigate existing conflicts and prevent new ones. Promoting the role of women in conflict resolution is also foreseen to foster inclusive political participation.” The programme will also support confidence building as well as conflict prevention initiatives in states along the border with South Sudan through the promotion of better cross-border relations. Furthermore, it will support negotiations and agreements between pastoralist and sedentary communities along migratory routes, and train local communities on how to peacefully resolve conflicts about sharing natural resources. The activities designed to achieve these objectives will be implemented by a wide range of partners, ranging from international organisations to selected regional and Sudanese NGOs. File photo: EU flag Related:EU call on Sudan to lift press curbs (28 May 2014) EU, Italy launch health programme in eastern Sudan (31 March 2014)European Parliament delegation to visit Sudan (24 March 2014)