Ten years ago, I saw the same strength and initiative in Angola’s displaced people on October 31, 1997, the third anniversary of the signing of the Lusaka Peace Accord between the Angolan government and UNITA. Angola’s civil war had been waged against the people for nineteen years, and the accord had been expected to create a lasting peace. Hopes were high, but within a year the country was engulfed into another tragic four years of conflict, with terrible loss of human life and new massive displacement.
Some “wise” people say that history repeats itself. Well, in the case of Sudan, we must prove those people wrong. History must not repeat itself. The Sudanese leaders from the north and the south bear great responsibilities and need to overcome the mutual lack of confidence to make peace a reality for their people. The international community has to do its share and maintain engagement throughout the process. After being thirsty for too long, the Sudanese people want no less than a full glass.
By Andrea Lari
