Politics and Peace...

National Elections in Sudan are scheduled for April, the first step towards democracy since the military dictatorship took power. President Bashir is currently negotiating peace deals with rebel groups from Darfur and has also expressed his commitment to work towards sustainable peace with the South. A referendum is scheduled for January 2011 where Southerners will decide between independence and remaining in a unified Sudan. This is a critical period where there is potential for lasting peace or for renewed conflict. Sudanese leaders have asked to pray for peace.