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Citizens of fragile and conflict-affected states confront threats to their security and livelihoods on a daily basis. Nearly 1.6 billion people are forced to live in the midst of violence perpetuated by a diverse array of actors - from political extremists to transnational criminal syndicates. Too often these most vulnerable and marginalized are left without a voice in their personal and political future and are denied adequate forums for addressing their grievances. On January 12, 2012 USIP brought together rule of law practitioners from the field and policymakers from Washington, DC to discuss these critical issues.
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.
On April 20, 2011 H.E. Dr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the AU Commission, discussed the role that the African Union continues to play in creating peace and establishing security in Africa.
Looking ahead to southern Sudan’s secession and the future of both resulting states, three members of the African Union High Level Implementation Panel (Sudan), former South African President Thabo Mbeki, former Burundian President Pierre Buyoya, and former Nigerian President Abdulsalami Abubakar, discussed the current situation and their efforts to support two peaceful Sudans. This event took place on April 19, 2011.
USIP and partners from the Rift Valley Institute discussed the findings of their report, “Local Justice in Southern Sudan,” and its implications for judicial policy reform in a post-referendum South. This event took place on November 8, 2010.
Audio recording of the USIP event "Civil Society in Darfur: The Missing Peace"
Audio recording of the September 20, 2010 USIP Event "First Vice President Salva Kiir on the Road Ahead in Sudan"
In April 2010 Sudan held long-anticipated elections for almost every level of government. In the lead-up to the elections there were many uncertainties associated with these elections, including how they will contribute to the overall democratization process in Sudan, the degree of popular participation, and the standard by which they will be judged domestically and internationally. Panelists addressed these and related issues, and placed the elections into Sudan's larger political context.
The upcoming 2010 elections and 2011 referendum in Sudan are the culminating events of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the National Congress Party and the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement. However, looking at 2011 and beyond, there is increasing concern that Sudan may revert to violence rather than move forward towards the sustainable peace envisioned by the CPA.
Born out of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) has established itself as a functioning entity but also faces significant difficulties.
On October 2, USIP hosted two GoSS ministers for a discussion about Southern Sudan's progress, internal and external challenges, and the road ahead as Sudan approaches the 2010 national elections and 2011 referendum.