Full Text: SPLM’s ARUSHA FRAMEWORK FOR INTRA-SPLM DIALOGUE!

SOUTH SUDAN’S LIBERATION MOVEMENT (SPLM)

FRAMEWORK FOR INTRA-SPLM DIALOGUE

Arusha, Tanzania

A)  Preamble:

Acknowledging that the current crisis in South Sudan us rooted in differences withing the SPLM leadership;

Re-affirming our commitment to the reunification of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and agreeing to continue to engage in the process of an Intra-SPLM Dialogue in Arusha, Tanzania;

Mindful that the Arusha process is essentially separate and distinct from the IGAD mediated peace talks among South Sudan stakeholders;

Cognizing that the two process, although separate, are mutually reinforcing;

Recognizing the tragic developments that have occurred in South Sudan since the outbreak of conflict in December, 2013;

Rejecting the use of violence as a means of resolving political disputes;

Believing that a peaceful, political solution must be found to resolve the conflict;

Bearing in mind the need to bring about lasting peace to our nation through dialogue on the basis of this framework document;

Appreciating the initiative of the leadership of the SPLM and Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) for convening this Intra-SPLM Dialogue, and further expressing gratitude for the decision of the CCM to host and facilitate the Dialogue and the support of Crisis Management Initiative (CMI);

Now, therefore, agrees to be guided by this Framework as detailed below:

B)  Principles:

1. Commitment to uphold and protect the sovereignty, independent and territorial integrity of South Sudan.
2. Commitment to the core values of SPLM, including but not limited to peace, democracy, equality, freedom, inclusivity, social justice and unity in diversity.
3. Commitment to dialogue as a peaceful means of conflict resolution;
4. Commitment to reconciliation and a healing process to consolidate party unity and cohesion;
5. Re-commitment to democratic principles and practices;
6. Re-commitment to internal democracy especially on matters of decision making elections, succession and peaceful transfer of power;
7. Re-commitment to transform the society by working towards the achievement of freedom, justice, equality and prosperity for all;
8. Commitment to the institutionalization of authority, party governance and discipline;
9. Commitment to the unity of SPLM as safeguard against fragmentation of the country along ethnic and regional fault lines.

C) Objectives:

1. Address the root causes of the current crisis in order to expeditiously reconciles its leadership and membership to restore unity and harmony in the party;
2. Initiate measures to stop the war, lead the government and the people of South Sudan towards peace, stability and prosperity;
3. Re-vitalize, re-organize, strengthen and restore the SPLM to its vision, principles, political direction and core values;
4. Promote and foster the spirit and exercise of collective leadership on transparency and accountability; and
5. Develop mechanisms to generate resources and ensure their efficient management and to combat corruption.

D) Agenda

1. Situation analysis

• History and evolution of the SPLM: Self assessment and evaluation.
• Synthesis of the problem.

2. Experience of Liberation Movements and CCM
   

• Experiences of liberation movements
• Experiences of CCM
• Lessons learnt

3. The Way Forward

• Political issues
• Organizational issues
• Leadership issues

4. Reconciliation and healing in the party.
5. Implementation Mechanisms
6. Witnesses and Guarantors

Annexes

1. Rules of Engagement

• Civility
• Mutual respect
• Honesty and frankness
• Confidentiality
• Listening to each other well and understanding the contexts
• Respect the right of individuals to express themselves no matter what their points of views might be.
• Avoid acrimonious approaches and finger pointing
• Avoid group defense and/or group attack
• Avoid polemics
• Have an agreed spokesperson, whose roles it to communicate what is agreed by members
• Unless otherwise agreed, all discussions shall be confined within this Framework

2. Role of CCM (The Facilitator)

• Provide venue and facilities for the intra-SPLM Dialogue
• Coordinate with the IGAD Special Envoys the timing of the two processes
• Update regional and international partners
• Coordinate the process with the SPLM focal points
• Guide the discussion with the view to allow members to reach consensus
• Declare the opening and closing of each session
• Set timetable of meetings in consultation with participants
• Organize sessions to share experiences of liberation movements and CCM
• Record and announce decisions and conclusions arising from meetings
• CCM invites the Crisis Management initiative (CMI) to provide advisory, technical expertise, logistical support and resource mobilization in collaboration with Tanzania
• Invite the Principals to meet at an appropriate stage in the process