TANZANIA has agreed to mediate a political dispute between warring parties
within the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) of South Sudan, in a
quest to end the conflict which has resulted in a civil war in the world's
youngest nation, President Jakaya Kikwete has announced.
In a statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications on
Wednesday, President Kikwete explained that the mediation will be led by the
ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in Arusha.
He noted, however, that the mediation will not interfere with ongoing
negotiations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
"SPLM through its Chairman (who is also the President of South Sudan) Salva
Kiir has requested Tanzania to help in political efforts and act as a
go-between opposing sides within the SPLM, with a belief that agreement
within the party would help end the conflict," Mr Kikwete was quoted as
stating.
President Kikwete said Tanzanians ought to support and help their South
Sudanese counterparts to accomplish its international obligation in line
with the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere's famous quote of October 1959, when
the then Tanganyika was demanding independence from Britain.
"We the people of Tanganyika want to light a torch and put in on top of
Mount Kilimanjaro to provide light even outside our borders; to bring hope
where there is no hope, love where there is hatred and respect where there
is contempt," Mr Kikwete said, quoting Mwalimu Nyerere.
The Uhuru Torch which ended its national race in Tabora on Tuesday, the
president noted, carries with it an exceptional philosophy on the relations
between Tanzania and other people in the world, particularly those oppressed
and without peace.
When Tanzania attained independence on December 9, 1961, the vision was
achieved when the Tanganyika national flag and the Uhuru Torch were put on
the peak of Kilimanjaro, Mr Kikwete noted.
"Since that time, the Torch has continued to provide light across the
country spreading the message of unity, brotherhood and peace among the
people of Tanzania.
"It is through the message of Uhuru Torch that our country volunteered to
support through financial and material aid our brothers and sisters in the
African continent to free themselves from colonialism and apartheid," he
observed.
President Kikwete noted that Tanzania was proud to have played a part to
support countries such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia and South
Africa, among others to attain their independence.
The conflict in South Sudan, erupted in mid-December, last year following a
political dispute within the ruling SPLM party and it has so far claimed the
lives of thousands and uprooted more than 1.5 million people from their
homes.
Mediation efforts are also undergoing in Addis Ababa through the
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Ethiopia, which chairs
IGAD, also plays a central role in South Sudan's mediation process.