3 May 2011
editorial
Nairobi — True to his threat just two days ago, Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir’s army invaded the disputed Abyei region and killed 12 people before retreating.
However, the blame goes to the leaders of the Eastern African region, who have not made it clear to Khartoum that full implementation of the Sudanese peace deal is not negotiable.
The tendency by these leaders to look the other way when belligerence rears its head could now cost the region the peace it deserves.
With the Somalia question likely to become more complicated after the death of Osama bin Laden, the leaders cannot afford to let Southern Sudan go to war with the North.
President Bashir might have taken advantage of their total preoccupation with the death of Osama, and the political turmoil in Uganda, to play dangerous games with the peace deal.
The regional leaders ought to have sent an unequivocal message earlier that any breach of the CPA will be met with unanimous hostility.
They must not allow Khartoum to blackmail the region that he either gets what he wants or he goes to war. They should call his bluff.
AllAfrica – All the Time
More:
Call Bashir’s Bluff Now