The Obama administration has deployed U.S experts to buffer the tensions in Sudan ahead of the referendum for south Sudan’s independence, and offer assistance needed to resolve the rape case in the Democratic republic of Congo.
Former U.S. ambassador to Nigeria and South Africa, Princeton Lyman, left for Sudan on Tuesday as part of a bolstered up U.S. team deployed to help northern and southern Sudan share wealth and power ahead of the referendum for southern Sudan’s independence.
“Ambassador Lyman will provide a senior-level presence in Sudan dedicated specifically to working with the CPA parties to reach consensus on outstanding CPA implementation issues, such as citizenship, border demarcation and resource sharing,” State Department spokesman Mark Toner was quoted by reporters.
According to reports, the State Department envoy will join U.S. special envoy Scott Gration for talks with north and south Sudan in Khartoum and Juba, with periodic consultations in Washington.
The talks will include sensitive issues such as demarcating the border, defining citizenship and sharing oil and Nile waters in the case of either result in the January 9, 2011 referendum — secession or unity.
The tensions in Sudan arise because Sudan’s oil wealth lie along the disputed north-south border, and defining the border has remained in deadlock for years. However, the Obama administration has stepped-in to help.
DR Congo investigation
Conversely, another U.S delegation is on stand-by to assist with investigations in the mass rape of women and children in the DR Congo.
Between July 30 and August 3, rebels from the Mai Mai militia and Rwandan Hutu FDLR, who occupied the town of Luvungi in North Kivu province raped and assaulted at least 154 civilians, according to U.N. Figures.
The Obama administration has vowed to support the United Nations in its investigations.
“This horrific attack is yet another example of how sexual violence undermines efforts to achieve and maintain stability in areas torn by conflict but striving for peace.
“The United States will do everything we can to work with the UN and the DRC government to hold the perpetrators of these acts accountable, and to create a safe environment for women, girls, and all civilians living in the eastern Congo,” U.S Secretary of State Hillary Clinton vowed.
The U.S Secretary of state said it was now time for member nations to protect civilians against sexual violence and prosecute those who commit such atrocities.
