Joint Libyan-Egyptian Initiative (JLEI)

This initiative was a response by the Libyans and Egyptians to a number of concerns: the lack of northern opposition participation in the IGAD process; unease at perceived African domination of that process; and upset at the lack of a formalised role for Egypt in the peace process, given its interests as a neighbour of Sudan, says Sudan peace process expert, John Young.

Lastly, and probably most importantly, it also reflected Libyan and Egyptian unease over the concept of self-determination for south Sudan, given Egypt's concerns with access to the waters of the Nile, which flow through southern Sudan, Young adds.

In July 2001, the JLEI formulated its own DoP, which called for a transitional all-party government and a ceasefire, but made no mention of the issues of self-determination or secularism.

Khartoum agreed to the JLEI principles without reservation and the SPLM/A accepted them in principle, but made clear that it wanted the document revised to include reference to self-determination, secularism and coordination of the JLEI with the IGAD peace process.

Analysts contacted by IRIN believe that efforts will have to be made - either through IGAD or by the parties themselves to bring the northern forces on board and take into account Egyptian concerns.

Eritrean efforts

With the NDA based in Eritrea and given its major interest in the Sudan peace process, Asmara repeatedly attempted to initiate negotiations between the alliance and Khartoum. However, the relative weakness of the (non-SPLA) NDA forces and the international legitimacy given to the IGAD peace process has meant that, to date, the Eritreans have made little progress, Young says.

Nonetheless, many observers feel that any comprehensive peace agreement must, at some point, include the northern armed forces and political parties.

Renewed Nigerian efforts

Given its status as a giant on the African continent, it was not surprising that Nigeria attempted to further the peace process as the IGAD initiative approached collapse late in 2001.

In the event Nigeria's efforts at peace building came to naught, but they did make clear the importance of the Sudan peace process to Africa, not only in terms of security but also because the issues at the heart of the conflict: religion, race and regional disparities within a state, have resonance far beyond the country's borders.