GARANG: That does injustice to the real situation. In the SPLA we have lots of Muslims. It is more of a religious war from the other side, because they are the people who have declared jihad. But you cannot put it in a one-dimensional way. There are religious elements, historical elements, cultural elements, definitively economic elements to it. Actually, the economic aspect concerning oil is begging to take prominence. In the end of the day, it is a struggle for the definition of the Sudan. It’s really a problem precipitated by those in Khartoum trying to impose by force their vision of society.
Their aid is very welcome. The church is concerned about fundamental issues of human rights, of religious persecution. Because there is real persecution in the country against Christians; churches, for example, get taken over. In Khartoum relief is being used for conversions. Which does not mean this is a religious war. But I would urge Muslims to be concerned about religious persecution in Sudan, about the rise of Islamic fundamentalism.
Operation Lifeline Sudan has done a lot of good over the years, but it has fallen victim to the sovereignty clause of the original agreement. Khartoum tells them where to go and where not to go. That veto power defeats the purpose of humanitarian assistance, because Khartoum would direct relief and humanitarian action according to their interests and according to their war plans.
Its significance is growing and should be encouraged.
We’ll soon be introducing our own currency. This will give incentive to people to produce for themselves, so that they can buy clothes for their children in school, have a decent meal. We are focusing on training police, judiciary and civil administration in the village.
We don’t have, as a policy, the violation of human rights. We have not declared a jihad, the other side has. And jihad is the grossest form of human-rights violation that we have. It is to kill the infidel, literally.
