Sudan President Bashir Arrives In Juba Ahead Of Referendum

Sudan President Bashir Arrives In Juba Ahead Of Referendum

Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir is in Southern Sudan's capital, Juba, arriving five days before a historic referendum on whether or not the region will secede.

Mr. Bashir is to hold talks with the semi-autonomous south Sudan leader, Salva Kiir.

The two were on opposing sides during the two-decades-long civil war.

Historic welcome

Mr. Bashir, who donned traditional southern robes when he descended from the plane, was greeted on his arrival by Mr. Kiir, senior southern politicians and a guard of honour.

Mr. Bashir and Mr. Kiir will have much to discuss during their meeting in Juba.

Spit ahead in Sudan

The referendum was part of the 2005 peace deal that ended two decvades of conflict.

Officials say almost 4 million people have registered to vote on Sunday, January nine, with more than 95% of them in Southern Sudan.

Others have signed up in northern Sudan and eight countries abroad.

The referendum is seen by many as a possible source of tensions between north and south Sudan.

The north does not favour the idea of the oil-rich south splitting away and both sides have yet to reach an agreement on a number of post-referendum issues, including on citizenship and resources, such as oil.

The president is expected to use an opportunity like this to urge southerners to vote for unity in the referendum.

Senior northern officials are reported to have started to say publicly that the south is almost certain to split away, an idea held by many Sudanese for years.

BBC/Margaret/Yinka