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Eye on Sudan: USIP Experts on Sudan's Referendum

(Photo: NYT)

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Andrew Blum
Jason Gluck
Jonathan Temin
Linda Bishai

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January 2011 | Practitioner Tool

 UPDATE: April 21, 2011 - In July, the world will watch the birth of a new nation, the Republic of South Sudan.

Watch this space for updates on Sudan by USIP experts and a series of applied research reports on gender, oil, youth, Northern Sudan and other topics.

Our training work on the ground in both the north and south will continue with the objective of lessening the potential for violence, and improving relations between the security sector and local communities as events unfold.

USIP will also focus on the importance of Northern Sudan as a whole, beyond the crisis in Darfur.

Recently USIP received a letter from Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, head of the Government of Southern Sudan Mission to the United Nations and to the United States, expressing support for USIP’s on the ground work in Sudan.

Mr. Gatkuoth writes that, “I have witnessed USIP’s expert work across all levels of society in Sudan…we have seen the positive impact of the work that the Institute does at the grassroots level, from capacity building on violence prevention prior to the elections and referendum to working with local communities in the Western grazing corridor to prevent local violence from spreading…It is clear to us that the Institute’s work in Sudan contributes to the prevention of renewed conflict in Sudan, saving lives and money.”

Read a news feature by Thomas Omestad about USIP’s on the ground work in Sudan

UPDATE: February 7, 2011 - President Bashir on February 7 accepted the South's vote for independence. Jon Temin looks at how the results may spark violence. On February 1, USIP's Jon Temin provided background on the referendum process, the south's secession and the next steps ahead.

UPDATE: January 18, 2011 - Despite some dire predictions, Sudan’s recent referendum was remarkably peaceful, with the notable exception of violence around the disputed Abyei area. There are many obstacles yet to come, including resolution of the status of Abyei and negotiations over post-referendum arrangements, such as sharing of oil revenue and debt. The peaceful referendum process so far is a credit to the citizens and voters of Sudan and their leaders.

It is also worth noting the role of various governmental and non-governmental organizations in conflict prevention in Sudan. USIP’s work includes trainings, workshops and facilitation in electoral and referendum violence prevention, interactions between communities and police, and other forms of building conflict management skills and awareness.

The referendum in Sudan took place from January 9-15, 2011, to decide on whether the Southern region should remain a part of Sudan or be independent. The referendum is one of the consequences of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Khartoum central government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M).

Watch Videos

USIP Sudan experts discuss the referendums, the popular consultation process, what to look for after the polling is complete, and more. 

More from USIP on Sudan