Country/entity

South Sudan

Region

Africa (excl MENA)

Agreement name

Waat Lou Nuer Covenant

Date

6 Nov 1999

Agreement status

Multiparty signed/agreed

Interim arrangement

Yes

Agreement/conflict level

Intrastate/local 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.

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Sudan Conflicts (1955 - )

Stage

Framework/substantive - partial

Conflict nature

Inter-group

Peace process

South Sudan: Pre-secession Local Peace Processes

Parties

Delegates came from all districts in addition to Lou who came from Malakal, Khartoum and foreign countries.

Lou Nuer Peace and Governance Council Membership

Elected at Waat Lou Nuer Peace and Governance Conference

6 November 1999

Akobo District

Michael Yien Jiek
Executive Chief Thok Luak Yak
Mrs. Mary Chol Kwany

Nyirol District

Head Chief Peter Gatkek Tolciek
James Yoal Lul
Mrs. Elizabeth Nyagun Chuol

Dirror District

Head Chief Majok Rambang
Rebecka Nyanyak Wictuor
John Kutei Mut

Pulchuol District

Head Chief Dhuor Luak Loth
Buk Malual Muol
Thomas Lual Puot

Wuror District

Head Chief Gatluak Thou Kuony
Stephen Maluit Chuol
Elizabeth Nyayonga Chuol

Waat District

Head Chief Kai Gatkal Ngundeng
Mrs. Mary Nyayuok Jany
Nyang Kerjiok Char

At-Large Members

Gabriel Yoal Dok, Chairperson
John Luk Jok , Secretary
Gatliak Gatlou Riak
Nyang Chuol Dhuor
Majok Guandong
Kueth Luak Kok
John Jok Yoal Gai
Hoth Gor Luak
Chuol Rambang
Ket Gang Lual
Stephen Tut Puol
Cdr. Peter Bol Kong
Cdr. David Reath Malual
Cdr. Taban Juc
Cdr. Chot Riek Pathot
Dr. Wal Duany
Rev. David Kueat Wicluak
Rev. Peter Tut Pur

Third parties

New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC)

Description

Short agreement aiming at establishing peace between factions of the Lou Nuer by increasing local governance and customary law as well as the separation of powers.

Agreement document

SS_991106_Waat Lou Nuer Covenant.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Local agreement properties

Process type

Formal structured process

Rationale

This agreement is part of a wider 'People-to-People process' facilitated by the New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC) that led to the signing of other accords prior to and after this agreement.

Is there a documented link to a national peace process?

No

Link to national process: articulated rationale

This agreement is not technically linked to the national process between the government in Khartoum and South Sudanese opposition forces, but it is part of a series of agreements resulting from the Wunlit peace conference that eventually helped to pave the way for a rapproachment between John Garang and Riek Machar's factions (e.g. see Machakos Protocol, 2002).

Name of Locale

Jonglei state

Nature of Locale

Region

GPS Lat/Long (DD)

8.201780, 32.157839

Participant type

Local state actor
Domestic religious organisation/leader or other elder
Local community/civilian group(s)/civil society organisations

Mediator, facilitator or similar

Mediator or similar referred to

Mediator (references)

Mediator: New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC)

Type of mediator/facilitator/similar

Domestic religious organisation/leader or other elder

Local issues

Ritual/prayer and process (including use of scripture)

Page 1, ... We have sealed this Covenant, with its included Resolutions, by the traditional sacrifice of a White Bull (Tu-Bor) and with Christian worship.

Page 2, ... A Word of Promise: We will protect this peace against anyone from within our ranks or who would come against us from the outside attempting to destroy our unity and peace. For this peace we are willing to die so that our children may live in peace and enjoy this good land that God has given to us.

Grievance List

Page 1, Today, we declare an end to years of internal conflicts among our people, battles between different factions, and at least three different military forces and civil administrations. Our internal strife has made us vulnerable to conflicts with our neighbors on every side, and the Government of Sudan has armed various groups within our midst to stir up confusion and destruction.
...
We have agreed to the following:-
Peace
An end to all conflicts among Lou Nuer
Amnesty for offenses against persons and property prior to 1 November 1999
A call to all Lou people to return to home areas and embrace the peace

Cattle rustling/banditry

No specific mention.

Social cover

No specific mention.