For Immediate Release, March 14, 2012
Contact: Allison Sturma, 202-429-4725

(Washington) – Jon Temin, director of Sudan programs at the U.S. Institute of Peace, testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at this morning's hearing on "Sudan and South Sudan: Independence and Insecurity." Temin was joined on the hearing's second panel by George Clooney and John Prendergast with the Satellite Sentinel Project.

In his written testimony, Temin stressed that governance and economic viability are two issues critical to the future of Sudan and South Sudan.

"The United States has an important role to play in helping to arrest and reverse these trends before they are fully ingrained" in South Sudan, Temin stated in his written testimony. Or, watch the video of the testimony here.

In discussing concerns about the economies of Sudan and South Sudan, he added "The silver lining is that the difficult economic circumstances in both countries create leverage for the international community.  Both countries desperately need outside assistance.  International coordination of any economic assistance will be crucial, so that it is clear, for both countries, that assistance provided is contingent on certain steps each government must take.  Absent those steps, neither country should be bailed out."

Although Temin's views were his own and not necessarily those of USIP, which does not take policy positions, his testimony was informed by his work at USIP. The Institute is currently working in Sudan and South Sudan to assist with the resolution of  border issues, the implementation of rule of law, training and NGO engagement. More information about USIP's work in Sudan and South Sudan is available online.

The full text of Temin’s written testimony is available online.

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The United States Institute of Peace is the independent, nonpartisan conflict management center created by Congress to prevent and mitigate international conflict without resorting to violence. USIP works to save lives, increase the government’s ability to deal with conflicts before they escalate, reduce government costs, and enhance national security. USIP is headquartered in Washington, DC. To learn more visit www.usip.org.