Sudan: More tragedy

John Garang, rebel leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, worked for decades to fight against the despotic ruling regime, and through military and political prowess moved all the way up to the vice-presidency and a power-sharing agreement.

Then he died in a helicopter crash.

EAST Africa began five days of mourning for Sudan's vice-president, former rebel leader John Garang, as a close ally was chosen to succeed him. Many fear his death in a helicopter crash may jeopardise years of work to build peace.

Mr Garang's former rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement quickly named his deputy, Salva Kiir, as new leader and said it expected him to be sworn in as Sudan's first vice-president in two weeks.

Members of the movement and the Government, former enemies promised to maintain the power-sharing peace agreement Mr Garang helped realise.

Mr Garang, a skilful battlefield commander and politician, was sworn in as Sudan's first vice-president on July 9, when more than a million Sudanese thronged the streets.

His death prompted some to rampage through Khartoum yesterday, burning cars and looting shops in some of the worst riots in the capital in years.

Police said at least 24 people were killed.

I don't want to be unnecessarily alarmist here, but there's a huge difference between John Garang and his deputy in terms of speaking out against continuing violence in Darfur, and providing a stable peace in the country with democratic reforms. There hasn't been suggestion of foul play, but from a country that indiscriminantly murders hundreds of thousands of its citizens (and it's the country doing it, the janjaweed get all their support from the government), I find that hard to swallow.