"The referendum was so well organised, it has made those who predicted violence or instability to regret their statements. People and organisations that we have spoken to in the South have said that they feel the organisation of the referendum in itself has played an important role in nation-building. And credit is also due to the authorities in the North, who havel helped ensure that the referendum was carried out well and without violence," says general secretary Atle Sommerfeldt of Norwegian Church Aid.
He was in Sudan during the referendum and met voters, civil society obesrvers and authorities. Norwegian CHurch Aid has been working in Sudan for over 40 years, and will continue to maintain a presence in both North and South regardless of the results.
Long-term, humble presence
"The current atmosphere in Sudan is quite extraordinary. People are glad to have been given the opportunity to vote and help determine their country's own future. Now it is important that the international community looks to the long-term, giving support both to the North and the South, and playing an active, but humble role in relation both to the Sudanese authorities and to the enormous task ahead," says Sommerfeldt.
Food insecurity continues in many parts of the country. Fresh water, sanitation, schools, roads and healthcare are all in short supply and the authorities in the South are in need of a great deal of assistance:
"The message I received both from local organisations and authorities is that the international community must support their own agenda for building up their country. From Norway, they would particularly like so receive assistance in terms of administering oil and natural resources. They will also require large-scale contributions from abroad within infrastructure, health, education, water, sanitation and food security," Sommerfeldt continues.
Norwegian Church Aid will organise its work in such a way as to ensure that the local population is able to participate in its development. We will prioritise health, water, sanitation and womens' issues. Sommerfeldt underlines that NCA will continue it's activities in the North also:
"Together with the authorities in the North, the UN, civil society and with our partners through the ACT Alliance, we will cntinue our work both in Darfur and in the Nuba mountains," conculdes Atle Sommerfeldt of Norwegian Church Aid.
Contact:
- Atle Sommerfeldt, General Secretary, tel. +47 917 55 112