Sudan: train loaded with referendum propaganda arrives Wau

[John Ashworth]

Train loaded with NCP materials supporting unity arrives in Wau

Friday 15 October 2010

By Manyang Mayom

October 14, 2010 (RUMBEK) - A train loaded with materials advocating unity in the upcoming southern self-determination referendum arrived on Wednesday in Wau, the capital of Western Bahr El Ghazal state.

The vote, due for to start 9 January 2011, is part of a peace deal between the former rebels the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the Sudan’s ruling National Congress Party (NCP) in 2005.

In April’s multiparty election both parties were accused of voting irregularities. Observers described them as being below international standards.

The SPLM has increasingly advocated a vote for secession as the vote approaches, while the NCP will campaign strongly for unity.

An NCP delegation recently visited Western Equatoria state to campaign for a unity vote.

The train arrived on Wednesday evening from Sudan’s capital Khartoum, according to SPLM reporter James Deng Dimo.

The unity supporting materials arrive in the south following the collapse of talks in Ethiopia, between the SPLM and NCP, on the referendum to decide the future of the oil-rich field region of Abyei.

A member of the Khartoum security services, who requested not to be named told Sudan Tribune that the government was prepared to deal with the military build-up in Abyei.

“We have prepare[d] security of Abyei and no damage will affect Khartoum”, he said.

The train was also loaded with sports equipment for an inter-schools sports competition Western Bahr El Ghazal state next month.

(Sudan Tribune)