105 - Sudan - Approaches to Armed Groups Kuol ... - The ICHRP

43. The SRRA experienced some of the neglect that had befallen civil institutions in the early years of
SPLA. The lack of SPLA alternatives to the civil structures of the previous government-held centres
added to the further collapse of public service during the war period. Individuals were hardly
supported through the sudden loss of their jobs. At times, the commanders frowned upon the group
of former civil servants. The euphoria of support for the liberation process and the string of military
successes over the forces of the government have left little attention to be paid by the movement to
the new group. Instead, especially in the early years of the war, there was a mounting feeling that the
war would only take a couple of years and other government institutions would be started anew.
However, as the war dragged on, many experienced civil servants also vanished into oblivion though
they had initially supported the movement. Early attempts by the SRRA to let Sudanese civilians hold
paid jobs with NGOs were met with misapprehension. Pressure was even exerted on the SRRA to
opt for material incentives for NGO local staff instead of well-negotiated terms of employment. Cash
money was viewed as polluting to the non-salaried SPLA. But the views changed positively with time.
The majority of SPLA began to perceive the vital role of the SRRA when the impact of the
humanitarian relief on the life of civil population was seen over the period. The SRRA also
persevered in trying to strike the right balance and ensure an appropriate environment for the NGOs'
activities in the SPLA-controlled areas.
SPLA and OLS Dialogue:
44. In 1992, a major incident happened which obliged the OLS to review the regulations of relief services
in SPLA areas. Four relief workers were killed in an SPLA area that year. The SPLA associated the
tragedy with the inter-factional fighting that hit the region. However, the OLS insisted on handling
the incident in a different perspective. The OLS withheld its operation in the area for six months. An
OLS-supported investigation was conducted, but the culprits could not be brought to justice. The
OLS found it imperative to introduce its own security system for the continuation of the assistance.
The Ground Rules of 1993 were drafted to fulfil that aim. The new regulations enabled OLS security
officers to engage in dialogue with the SPLA commanders. The OLS head in southern Sudan
asserted that this highly approved document facilitated the contacts and also allowed OLS 'to gain an
in-depth understanding of the political and military situation...the ground rules were formally signed,
and committed to, by the leaders of the Southern Movements, Dr Garang and Dr Machar, and by the
OLS co-ordinator on behalf of the United Nations and the NGOs.' 10
45. A few years later, a negotiated and more elaborate document was produced entitled, 'The 1995
SPLM/OLS Agreement on Ground Rules.' A similar document was made with two other factions.
The introduction to the agreement emphasised that 'This agreement is intended to lay out the basic
principles upon which Operation Lifeline Sudan works and to lay out the rules and regulations
resulting from such principles.' 11 The purpose of the agreement was also identified as improving the
delivery of humanitarian assistance and protection of civilians in need in southern Sudan. The two
parties pledged their support for:
• Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989.
• Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the 1977 Protocols additional to the Geneva
Conventions.
Protection of Civilian Population in SPLA-Administered Areas:
10 Tinsman, Carl (Dec. 1997) “Operation Lifeline Sudan: United Nations Professionals protect humanitarian workers
in a war zone”, DHN News, p.44.
11 SPLM/OLS Agreement on Ground Rules (1995).
9