By John Stephen Katende

11^th Oct 2010

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has warned of a return to civil war unless the north and south resolve key issues ahead of a referendum on southern independence.

The state news agency quoted President Bashir as saying the two sides must settle disputes involving water, debt, wealth-sharing, citizenship and the north-south border before the referendum scheduled for January 9.

Mr. Bashir said failure to resolve these issues could trigger a new conflict that he said could be “much more serious” than the 21-year civil war that ended in 2005.

The Sudanese president made the comments at a conference in Libya on Saturday 9^th October.  On the same day, a UN Security Council delegation wrapped up a four-day visit to Sudan.  The envoys urged northern and southern officials to make sure the referendum is fair and its outcome respected by all parties.

Tension has been rising in Sudan as the vote draws near. In Khartoum, riot police beat up a group of about 30 southern independence supporters who turned up at a pro-unity rally.  Sudan’s foreign minister suggested that the government could reject the referendum results if it sees “interference” in the vote.

The Bashir government has been campaigning for Sudan to remain unified. However, most analysts predict that the semi-autonomous south will choose independence over unity.

The oil-rich Abyei border region will also hold a separate vote on January 9 to decide whether to be part of the north or the south.  The status of the Abyei region is one of the major sticking points that have blighted the referendum planning process.

Registration is due to begin November 14, with the final voter list to be published on December 31, just nine days before voters go to the polls.  END.  If it’s Monday, it’s Uganda Correspondent.  Never miss out again!

Excerpts from VOA news