For years, Sudan was the world’s last unwieldy military dictatorship, and more than one million people have fled the country since it turned the clock back on its constitution and became a republic nearly two decades ago. Now the South’s proposed admission to the union and calls for Sudan to join the international community have averted the possible onset of another civil war, according to the UN’s humanitarian chief, Jan Egeland.
“We knew that if South Sudan did not become a member of the Common Market of the Gulf of Aden, they were not going to join the International Monetary Fund,” Mr. Egeland said. He said no one could predict whether South Sudan would then be admitted to the AU, not to mention the World Bank.
Mr. Egeland said the two sides had agreed on a deal that all but obliterated the economic boycott against Sudan by South Sudan. The deal was a “win-win” solution, he said, because it also involved integration with the region and reintegration of the nearly 1 million refugees.
“It was not a done deal on Feb. 16, when we spoke on the telephone,” Mr. Egeland said. “It was still a work in progress.” But, he added, “I am pleased to say we had secured this deal.”