Agreement on the Provision of Humanitarian Assistance and Cessation of Hostilities For the Two Areas of Blue Nile and Nuba Mountains/South Kordofan

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Country/entity: Sudan
Southern Kordofan - Blue Nile - Abyei
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: Agreement on the Provision of Humanitarian Assistance and Cessation of Hostilities For the Two Areas of Blue Nile and Nuba Mountains/South Kordofan
Date: 17 Dec 2019
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Sudan Conflicts (1955 - )
Agreements relate to several distinct dyads, and also the negotiated independence of South Sudan, and subsequent internal conflict in South Sudan. Sudan-South Sudan. The long-standing conflict between the north and the south of the country dates back to colonial times, where the British introduced a so-called ‘Southern Policy’, severely hampering population movements between these big regions. Immediately after gaining independence in 1956, southern movements started to fight for independence; this fight became professionalised in 1983 with the foundation of the soon internationally supported Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). When the Islamic Front government introduced strict sharia laws in the south after it took over power in 1988 the war intensified. A decade later, the military situation reached a stalemate, enabling internationally facilitated peace negotiations to begin in 1997. After more fighting, a final negotiation push began in 2002, leading to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Areement (CPA) in January 2005.

Sudan-South Sudan post referendum. South Sudan became independent in July 2011; since then, relations between the two countries are complicated and violent conflict led by the SPLM (North) in the Sudanese Nuba mountains region has since intensified.

Darfur. Other long-standing violent conflicts are in the east and the west of the country. In the east, the Beja Congress, established in 1957, is the spearhead of a currently ‘peaceful’ opposition movement. In the west, the violent conflict in Darfur intensified in the early 2000s and rapidly gained international attention, even resulting in genocide charges against leading figures of the Sudanese government. The situation on the ground is complex, with over a dozen organisations (most notably the Sudanese Liberation Movement and the Justice and Equality Movement) fighting the Sudanese government and allied groups like the Janjaweed – although all parties have switched sides on numerous occasions. Several mediation attempts have not been successful, due to the shaky commitment of the Sudanese central government and the distrust among the armed opposition.

South Sudan - internal
In December 2013, after president Salva Kiir accused opposition leader Riek Machar of attempting a coup, violent conflict broke out between government forces of the SPLM/A and anti-governmental groups. In addition, several other political militias as well as communal militias have joined the conflict. In 2015 the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS) was signed. Due to unsuccessful implementation the agreement was revitalized in 2018. In September 2019, Kiir and Machar agreed to establish a power-sharing government after struggles on forming a unity transitional government.
Stage: Framework/substantive - partial
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Kordofan - Blue Nile - Abyei process
Parties: General Mohamed Hamdan
Head of the Transitional Government Negotiation Delegation

Lieutenant General Dagalo Malik Agar Eyre
Chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM–N) and Commander in Chief of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-North (SPLM/A-N/SRF)
Third parties: Witnessed by Hon. Tut Galuak Manime
Special Adviser to the President of the Republic on Security Affairs Chairman of the Mediation Committee
On behalf of the President of the Republic of South Sudan
Description: The agreement provides for a ceasefire and delivery of humanitarian aid to the war-affected areas in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states.

Agreement document: SD_191217_Agreement on the Provision of Humanitarian Assistance and Cessation of Hostilities For the Two Areas of Blue Nile and Nuba Mountains_South Kordofan.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Rhetorical
Page 2, Objectives of the Agreement
5. Creating an environment conducive for the safe and voluntary return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees to their homes.
Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Substantive
Page 3, Joint Humanitarian Committee (JHC)
18. The Parties agreed upon a comprehensive mandate for the tripartite JHC, which must include the following competencies:
...
c) Undertaking humanitarian action necessary to support the resettlement and rehabilitation of the IDPs and refugees;
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): Page 2, Objectives of the Agreement
3. Providing for a path forward for achieving durable peace for the Two Areas in a manner that promotes and complements the efforts for the successful completion of a just, comprehensive, and durable peace for all of Sudan and a transition from the oppression of the Former Regime to a democratic new Sudan, based on equal citizenship;
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: Page 3, Humanitarian Access
13. Humanitarian access and delivery of aid shall be facilitated through both cross-line and cross-border corridors, where it is appropriate.
14. The precise formula for cross-line and cross-border aid delivery shall be decided by the tripartite Joint Humanitarian Committee (JHC).
15. The Parties shall seek protection and assistance from relevant third-parties, the Republic of South Sudan, and international organizations or humanitarian organizations for the purpose of facilitating both cross-line and cross-border aid delivery and access.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: Page 2, Objectives of the Agreement
4. The cessation of hostilities provided for in this agreement aims at guaranteeing the unhindered access to humanitarian assistance, which shall be developed into a permanent ceasefire in accordance with final security arrangements.

Page 2, Principles of Humanitarian Action
9. The Parties guarantee the free movement and safety of civilians to and from the areas controlled by each party.

Page 2-3 Humanitarian Access
10. In accordance with the above principles, the Parties shall permit and facilitate the comprehensive provision of immediate, full, and unimpeded humanitarian access to all the conflict-affected areas and persons of the Two Areas, without discrimination.
11. The Parties commit to respecting and protecting humanitarian relief personnel and objects used for relief operations, and agree to refrain from attacking, harassing, intimidating, or detaining personnel, as well as to refrain from attacking, destroying, misappropriating, or looting relief supplies, installations, material, units, or vehicles operating in the humanitarian action.
12. Humanitarian access shall be guaranteed throughout the conflict-affected areas controlled by the SPLM/A-N/ SRF, without prejudice to national sovereignty, including through safe and unhindered multiple access corridors for all humanitarian personnel, supplies, and equipment.
13. Humanitarian access and delivery of aid shall be facilitated through both cross-line and cross-border corridors, where it is appropriate.
14. The precise formula for cross-line and cross-border aid delivery shall be decided by the tripartite Joint Humanitarian Committee (JHC).
15. The Parties shall seek protection and assistance from relevant third-parties, the Republic of South Sudan, and international organizations or humanitarian organizations for the purpose of facilitating both cross-line and cross-border aid delivery and access.
16. Humanitarian access will be subject to the control of the Parties for their respective areas of control, but in no circumstance may humanitarian access be withheld or constrained.

Page 3-4, Joint Humanitarian Committee (JHC)
18. The Parties agreed upon a comprehensive mandate for the tripartite JHC, which must include the following competencies:
a) Coordinating the delivery of humanitarian assistance in the affected areas in need in the Two Areas, with each party having responsibility within their respective area of control;
b) Monitoring, assessing, and reporting about the provision of humanitarian assistance to the affected populations in the Two Areas, with each party having responsibility within their respective area of control;
c) Undertaking humanitarian action necessary to support the resettlement and rehabilitation of the IDPs and refugees;
d) Making humanitarian arrangements related to the security, livelihood, and safe movement of nomads, particularly with regard to their presence in or movement through conflict-affected areas;
e) Helping UN agencies and international and national organizations to develop a plan for demining the Two Areas and removing explosive remnants of war in the Two Areas each party in their respective areas of control.
f) Helping to alleviate competition over resources and pastoral pathways that could help the humanitarian action, including promoting peaceful relations between herders and farmers;
g) Developing programs for promoting rehabilitation, social integration, and capacity-building in conflict-affected areas;
h) Coordinating, as appropriate and agreed upon by the Parties, with relevant entities undertaking humanitarian action in other areas of Sudan.
i) Arranging for the provision of legal and psychological support to vulnerable and conflict-affected persons;
j) Supporting the creation of a mechanism for transitional justice and healing processes in the future that address the humanitarian challenges that have negatively impacted the Two Areas;
k) Adopting a joint plan of action for providing humanitarian assistance and implementing its mandate within seven (7) days of its establishment.
l) Conducting a Joint Assessment Mission (JAM) in the areas controlled by the two parties to comprehensively assess the needs of the people in the conflict-affected areas, and the JAM assessment shall be completed within fourteen (14) days of the establishment of the tripartite JHC.

Page 4, Joint Humanitarian Committee (JHC)
20. The Parties shall convene a humanitarian conference to be attended by national, regional and international actors to develop long-term measures to improve the humanitarian situation for all conflict-affected areas in Sudan.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: Page 2, Principles of Humanitarian Action
7. The Parties confirm that all humanitarian actions for the Two Areas shall be undertaken in accordance with the international humanitarian law and all applicable and relevant standards, and best practices, as well as all relevant international mechanisms.
8. The Parties confirm that all humanitarian action for the affected civilians in the Two Areas shall respect the dignity of beneficiaries, the guiding principles of UNGA Res. 46/182, and the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: Page 2,
7. The Parties confirm that all humanitarian actions for the Two Areas shall be undertaken in accordance with the international humanitarian law and all applicable and relevant standards, and best practices, as well as all relevant international mechanisms.
8. The Parties confirm that all humanitarian action for the affected civilians in the Two Areas shall respect the dignity of beneficiaries, the guiding principles of UNGA Res. 46/182, and the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: Rights related issues→Citizenship→Citizen, general
Page 2, Objectives of the Agreement
3. Providing for a path forward for achieving durable peace for the Two Areas in a manner that promotes and complements the efforts for the successful completion of a just, comprehensive, and durable peace for all of Sudan and a transition from the oppression of the Former Regime to a democratic new Sudan, based on equal citizenship;
Democracy: Page 2, Objectives of the Agreement
3. Providing for a path forward for achieving durable peace for the Two Areas in a manner that promotes and complements the efforts for the successful completion of a just, comprehensive, and durable peace for all of Sudan and a transition from the oppression of the Former Regime to a democratic new Sudan, based on equal citizenship;
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: No specific mention.
Mobility/access: Page 2, Objectives of the Agreement
4. The cessation of hostilities provided for in this agreement aims at guaranteeing the unhindered access to humanitarian assistance, which shall be developed into a permanent ceasefire in accordance with final security arrangements.

Page 2, Principles of Humanitarian Action
9. The Parties guarantee the free movement and safety of civilians to and from the areas controlled by each party.

Page 2-3 Humanitarian Access
10. In accordance with the above principles, the Parties shall permit and facilitate the comprehensive provision of immediate, full, and unimpeded humanitarian access to all the conflict-affected areas and persons of the Two Areas, without discrimination.
11. The Parties commit to respecting and protecting humanitarian relief personnel and objects used for relief operations, and agree to refrain from attacking, harassing, intimidating, or detaining personnel, as well as to refrain from attacking, destroying, misappropriating, or looting relief supplies, installations, material, units, or vehicles operating in the humanitarian action.
12. Humanitarian access shall be guaranteed throughout the conflict-affected areas controlled by the SPLM/A-N/ SRF, without prejudice to national sovereignty, including through safe and unhindered multiple access corridors for all humanitarian personnel, supplies, and equipment.
13. Humanitarian access and delivery of aid shall be facilitated through both cross-line and cross-border corridors, where it is appropriate.
14. The precise formula for cross-line and cross-border aid delivery shall be decided by the tripartite Joint Humanitarian Committee (JHC).
15. The Parties shall seek protection and assistance from relevant third-parties, the Republic of South Sudan, and international organizations or humanitarian organizations for the purpose of facilitating both cross-line and cross-border aid delivery and access.
16. Humanitarian access will be subject to the control of the Parties for their respective areas of control, but in no circumstance may humanitarian access be withheld or constrained.

Page 3-4 Joint Humanitarian Committee (JHC)
18. The Parties agreed upon a comprehensive mandate for the tripartite JHC, which must include the following competencies:
a) Coordinating the delivery of humanitarian assistance in the affected areas in need in the Two Areas, with each party having responsibility within their respective area of control;
b) Monitoring, assessing, and reporting about the provision of humanitarian assistance to the affected populations in the Two Areas, with each party having responsibility within their respective area of control;
c) Undertaking humanitarian action necessary to support the resettlement and rehabilitation of the IDPs and refugees;
d) Making humanitarian arrangements related to the security, livelihood, and safe movement of nomads, particularly with regard to their presence in or movement through conflict-affected areas;
e) Helping UN agencies and international and national organizations to develop a plan for demining the Two Areas and removing explosive remnants of war in the Two Areas each party in their respective areas of control.
f) Helping to alleviate competition over resources and pastoral pathways that could help the humanitarian action, including promoting peaceful relations between herders and farmers;
g) Developing programs for promoting rehabilitation, social integration, and capacity-building in conflict-affected areas;
h) Coordinating, as appropriate and agreed upon by the Parties, with relevant entities undertaking humanitarian action in other areas of Sudan.
i) Arranging for the provision of legal and psychological support to vulnerable and conflict-affected persons;
j) Supporting the creation of a mechanism for transitional justice and healing processes in the future that address the humanitarian challenges that have negatively impacted the Two Areas;
k) Adopting a joint plan of action for providing humanitarian assistance and implementing its mandate within seven (7) days of its establishment.
l) Conducting a Joint Assessment Mission (JAM) in the areas controlled by the two parties to comprehensively assess the needs of the people in the conflict-affected areas, and the JAM assessment shall be completed within fourteen (14) days of the establishment of the tripartite JHC.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Humanitarian assistance
Page 2, Objectives of the Agreement
6. Alleviating the suffering of the people in the Two Areas through immediate humanitarian action to those who are in need, as well as through long-term political and social transformation.

Page 4, Joint Humanitarian Committee (JHC)
18. The Parties agreed upon a comprehensive mandate for the tripartite JHC, which must include the following competencies:
...
g) Developing programs for promoting rehabilitation, social integration, and capacity-building in conflict-affected areas;

Page 4, Joint Humanitarian Committee (JHC)
20. The Parties shall convene a humanitarian conference to be attended by national, regional and international actors to develop long-term measures to improve the humanitarian situation for all conflict-affected areas in Sudan.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: Page 4, Joint Humanitarian Committee (JHC)
18. The Parties agreed upon a comprehensive mandate for the tripartite JHC, which must include the following competencies:
...
f) Helping to alleviate competition over resources and pastoral pathways that could help the humanitarian action, including promoting peaceful relations between herders and farmers;
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: No specific mention.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
Page 2, Objectives of the Agreement
2. This Agreement incorporates the cessation of hostilities, which will be developed subsequently into a permanent ceasefire in accordance with final security arrangements, which shall be agreed upon.
...
4. The cessation of hostilities provided for in this agreement aims at guaranteeing the unhindered access to humanitarian assistance, which shall be developed into a permanent ceasefire in accordance with final security arrangements.

Page 4-5, Mechanism for Monitoring Cessation of Hostilities in the Two-Areas
21. The Parties shall form a mechanism for the cessation of hostilities in the Two-Areas composed of three representatives from each Party chaired by the representative of the Republic of South Sudan.
22. The monitoring mechanisms shall be flexible and in keeping with prevailing mood of partnership and common purpose through the following measures:
a) The Mechanism for Monitoring Cessation of Hostilities will be composed of three representatives from each Party and chaired by the Republic of South Sudan, and its headquarters will be based in Khartoum with joint working teams in Kadugli and el-Damazin.
b) The joint working teams are composed of a representative from each Party and chaired by the third Party, and it will be based in Kadugli and el-Damazin.
c) The monitoring teams mentioned above shall be formed within seven (7) days from the date of the signing of this Agreement;
d) In the instance of any violation of the cessation of hostilities, the monitoring committee shall be informed and it shall investigate, and take necessary actions.
e) The Parties shall adopt the customary ground-rules for the cessation of hostilities relating to the deployment of forces and operational supplies, etc.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: Security sector→DDR→Demilitarisation provisions
Page 4, Joint Humanitarian Committee (JHC)
18. The Parties agreed upon a comprehensive mandate for the tripartite JHC, which must include the following competencies:
...
e) Helping UN agencies and international and national organizations to develop a plan for demining the Two Areas and removing explosive remnants of war in the Two Areas each party in their respective areas of control.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: Page 3, Humanitarian Access
12. Humanitarian access shall be guaranteed throughout the conflict-affected areas controlled by the SPLM/A-N/ SRF, without prejudice to national sovereignty, including through safe and unhindered multiple access corridors for all humanitarian personnel, supplies, and equipments.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: Page 4, Joint Humanitarian Committee (JHC)
18. The Parties agreed upon a comprehensive mandate for the tripartite JHC, which must include the following competencies:
...
j) Supporting the creation of a mechanism for transitional justice and healing processes in the future that address the humanitarian challenges that have negatively impacted the Two Areas;
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: Page 4, Joint Humanitarian Committee (JHC)
18. The Parties agreed upon a comprehensive mandate for the tripartite JHC, which must include the following competencies:
...
e) Helping UN agencies and international and national organizations to develop a plan for demining the Two Areas and removing explosive remnants of war in the Two Areas each party in their respective areas of control.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: http://ucdpged.uu.se/peaceagreements/fulltext/20191217%20SUD%20Agreement%20of%20the%20Provision%20of%20Humanitarian%20Assistance%20and%20Cessation%20of%20Hostilities.pdf

AGREEMENT ON THE PROVISION OF HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

AND CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES

FOR THE TWO AREAS OF BLUE NILE AND NUBA MOUNTAINS/SOUTH

KORDOFAN

BETWEEN

THE TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT OF SUDAN & THE SUDAN

PEOPLE’S LIBERATION MOVEMENT–NORTH (SPLM–N) / SUDAN

REVOLUTIONARY FRONT (SRF)

___________________________

Preamble

The Transitional Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North /

Sudan Revolutionary Front, referred to hereinafter as the Parties,

PURSUING the aspirations of the Sudanese people, and implementing the Juba Declaration

for confidence building measures paving the way for negotiation and the Political

Declaration between the Transitional Government of Sudan and the Sudan Revolutionary

Front signed on 21 October 2019;

AFFIRMING the two Parties’ willingness to achieve prompt, just, and comprehensive peace;

TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION that addressing the humanitarian plight of the civilians,

internally displaced persons (IDPs), and refugees is a priority, and that peace is one of the

pillars for change and an important step towards political, economic, and social

transformation;

INTENDING to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people who have suffered the

catastrophic result of the wars that have deprived them of their resources and brought them

nothing but death and destruction.

Hereby the two Parties agree on the following:

Objectives of the Agreement

1. This Agreement is considered to be a binding framework for the two Parties throughout

all forthcoming political negotiations for the Two Areas, leading to a comprehensive

peace agreement for Sudan.

2. This Agreement incorporates the cessation of hostilities, which will be developed

subsequently into a permanent ceasefire in accordance with final security arrangements,

which shall be agreed upon.

3. Providing for a path forward for achieving durable peace for the Two Areas in a manner

that promotes and complements the efforts for the successful completion of a just,

comprehensive, and durable peace for all of Sudan and a transition from the oppression

of the Former Regime to a democratic new Sudan, based on equal citizenship;

4. The cessation of hostilities provided for in this agreement aims at guaranteeing the

unhindered access to humanitarian assistance, which shall be developed into a permanent

ceasefire in accordance with final security arrangements.

5. Creating an environment conducive for the safe and voluntary return of internally

displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees to their homes.

6. Alleviating the suffering of the people in the Two Areas through immediate humanitarian

action to those who are in need, as well as through long-term political and social

transformation.

Principles of Humanitarian Action

7. The Parties confirm that all humanitarian actions for the Two Areas shall be undertaken

in accordance with the international humanitarian law and all applicable and relevant

standards, and best practices, as well as all relevant international mechanisms.

8. The Parties confirm that all humanitarian action for the affected civilians in the Two

Areas shall respect the dignity of beneficiaries, the guiding principles of UNGA Res.

46/182, and the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and

independence.

9. The Parties guarantee the free movement and safety of civilians to and from the areas

controlled by each party.

Humanitarian Access

10. In accordance with the above principles, the Parties shall permit and facilitate the

comprehensive provision of immediate, full, and unimpeded humanitarian access to all the conflict-

affected areas and persons of the Two Areas, without discrimination.

11. The Parties commit to respecting and protecting humanitarian relief personnel and

objects used for relief operations, and agree to refrain from attacking, harassing,

intimidating, or detaining personnel, as well as to refrain from attacking, destroying,

misappropriating, or looting relief supplies, installations, material, units, or vehicles

operating in the humanitarian action.

12. Humanitarian access shall be guaranteed throughout the conflict-affected areas controlled

by the SPLM/A-N/ SRF, without prejudice to national sovereignty, including through

safe and unhindered multiple access corridors for all humanitarian personnel, supplies,

and equipments.

13. Humanitarian access and delivery of aid shall be facilitated through both cross-line and

cross-border corridors, where it is appropriate.

14. The precise formula for cross-line and cross-border aid delivery shall be decided by the

tripartite Joint Humanitarian Committee (JHC).

15. The Parties shall seek protection and assistance from relevant third-parties, the Republic

of South Sudan, and international organizations or humanitarian organizations for the

purpose of facilitating both cross-line and cross-border aid delivery and access.

16. Humanitarian access will be subject to the control of the Parties for their respective areas

of control, but in no circumstance may humanitarian access be withheld or constrained.

Joint Humanitarian Committee (JHC)

17. Within a period of no later than seven (7) days of the signing of this Agreement, the

Parties shall establish a Joint Humanitarian Committee (JHC), which shall be facilitated

by the Mediator.

18. The Parties agreed upon a comprehensive mandate for the tripartite JHC, which must

include the following competencies:

a) Coordinating the delivery of humanitarian assistance in the affected areas in need

in the Two Areas, with each party having responsibility within their respective area

of control;

b) Monitoring, assessing, and reporting about the provision of humanitarian

assistance to the affected populations in the Two Areas, with each party having

responsibility within their respective area of control;

c) Undertaking humanitarian action necessary to support the resettlement and

rehabilitation of the IDPs and refugees;

d) Making humanitarian arrangements related to the security, livelihood, and safe

movement of nomads, particularly with regard to their presence in or movement

through conflict-affected areas;

e) Helping UN agencies and international and national organizations to develop a

plan for demining the Two Areas and removing explosive remnants of war in the

Two Areas each party in their respective areas of control.

f) Helping to alleviate competition over resources and pastoral pathways that could

help the humanitarian action, including promoting peaceful relations between

herders and farmers;

g) Developing programs for promoting rehabilitation, social integration, and

capacity-building in conflict-affected areas;

h) Coordinating, as appropriate and agreed upon by the Parties, with relevant entities

undertaking humanitarian action in other areas of Sudan.

i) Arranging for the provision of legal and psychological support to vulnerable and

conflict-affected persons;

j) Supporting the creation of a mechanism for transitional justice and healing

processes in the future that address the humanitarian challenges that have negatively

impacted the Two Areas;

k) Adopting a joint plan of action for providing humanitarian assistance and

implementing its mandate within seven (7) days of its establishment.

l) Conducting a Joint Assessment Mission (JAM) in the areas controlled by the two

parties to comprehensively assess the needs of the people in the conflict-affected

areas, and the JAM assessment shall be completed within fourteen (14) days of the

establishment of the tripartite JHC.

19. The Parties commit to updating the JHC’s mandate and plan of action, as necessary,

based on the outcomes and findings of the Joint Assessment Mission (JAM).

20. The Parties shall convene a humanitarian conference to be attended by national, regional

and international actors to develop long-term measures to improve the humanitarian

situation for all conflict-affected areas in Sudan.

Mechanism for Monitoring Cessation of Hostilities in the Two-Areas

21. The Parties shall form a mechanism for the cessation of hostilities in the Two-Areas

composed of three representatives from each Party chaired by the representative of the

Republic of South Sudan.

22. The monitoring mechanisms shall be flexible and in keeping with prevailing mood of

partnership and common purpose through the following measures:

a) The Mechanism for Monitoring Cessation of Hostilities will be composed of three

representatives from each Party and chaired by the Republic of South Sudan, and its

headquarters will be based in Khartoum with joint working teams in Kadugli and elDamazin.

b) The joint working teams are composed of a representative from each Party and

chaired by the third Party, and it will be based in Kadugli and el-Damazin.

c) The monitoring teams mentioned above shall be formed within seven (7) days

from the date of the signing of this Agreement;

d) In the instance of any violation of the cessation of hostilities, the monitoring

committee shall be informed and it shall investigate, and take necessary actions.

e) The Parties shall adopt the customary ground-rules for the cessation of hostilities

relating to the deployment of forces and operational supplies, etc.

Final provisions

23. This Agreement shall enter into force, and become binding upon its signature.

24. This Agreement shall come into force from the date of its signing, will remain in force

until a comprehensive peace agreement is reached, and it shall form an integral part of

that agreement.

This agreement is signed in Juba, Republic of South Sudan

On the 17th of December 2019.

__________________________ __________________________

General Lieutenant General

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo Malik Agar Eyre

Head of the Transitional Government Chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation

Negotiation Delegation Movement–North (SPLM–N) and

Commander in Chief of the Sudan People’s

Liberation Army-North (SPLM/A-N/SRF)

__________________________

Witnessed by Hon.

Tut Galuak Manime

Special Adviser to the President of the Republic on Security Affairs

Chairman of the Mediation Committee

On behalf of the President of the Republic of South Sudan