MEPs and ACP delegates rounded on the Sudan for blocking deliveries of food and emergency medical supplies to regions of the country badly affected by a drought. A massive aid operation has now begun. The Joint Assembly adopted a resolution, supported in separate votes by both the Africans and the Europeans, expressing shock and concern at the stance of the Sudanese government in denying urgent relief to 250,000 people. The Sudan has since bowed to international pressure and agreed to allow UN planes and relief agencies to drop food and seeds over the Bahr el Ghazal area. The Joint Assembly's resolution also condemn cruel treatment of women, including public flogging.
MEPs and delegates from Sudan's neighbours - Eritrea, Ethiopia and Uganda - expressed their exasperation at the attitude of the Sudanese government. They also complained about the destabilising activities of Sudan-backed terrorists. The Sudanese delegate, however, blamed the situation on 15 years of civil war and political instability caused by former British colonial policy of divide and rule. Euro-MEPs were unimpressed and there was a call for Sudan to be thrown out of the Assembly unless there are substantial improvements in the human rights situation and moves towards the restoration of democracy.
In an attempt to settle the civil war, talks are now underway in Kenya but no-one is yet optimistic about prospects for a successful outcome.