The Future of South Sudan: A Conversation with H.E. Vice President Riek Machar

On July 9th, 2011 The Republic of South Sudan is scheduled to become the world’s newest country. Yet as southern independence fast approaches, the fragile peace between north and south hangs in the balance. The U.S. Institute of Peace has been involved in Sudan for nearly twenty years working on the ground, advising and collaborating with local organizations to find peaceful solutions to flashpoint issues.

As the world looks to Sudan’s leaders to resolve critical issues before July 9th, the Institute was pleased to host H.E. Lt. General Dr. Riek Machar, vice president of the Government of Southern Sudan. Vice President Machar discussed the current status of relations between Sudan’s north and south, preparations for secession, the political climate in southern Sudan and the role of the international community in the new Republic of South Sudan.