In a report released today, “South Sudan’s Militias”, Enough’s Sudan field researcher Mayank Bubna provides an in-depth analysis of the key southern militia leaders, their grievances, and how the Government of South Sudan should address the renewed violence and threats of internal security.
This report, based on extensive interviews conducted in Upper Nile state in January and February 2011, provides an overview of the state of play among South Sudan’s militias, which continue to be a critical challenge to securing a peaceful separation between North and South Sudan, and to the formation of a stable new state.
The number of people killed in violent clashes between renegade general George Athor’s forces and the South Sudanese army is double what was previously known, according to media reports citing southern officials.
Although this transitional period in Sudan poses major challenges, it also holds an unparalleled window of opportunity for marginalized groups to push for inclusive rights and representation—especially women.
Intense fighting broke out in South Sudan on Wednesday and Thursday, killing over 100 people, according to various news reports .
Now it’s official. With nearly 99 percent of people voting in favor of secession in last month’s referendum, southern Sudan is now on course to become the world’s newest country on July 9.
As the frenetic excitement about southern Sudan's recent referendum wears off, the challenges of building up a new country from scratch loom. For some segments of southern Sudan’s society, the obstacles are even greater. “The women of southern Sudan are ‘the marginalized of the marginalized,’ as Dr. John Garang used to say,” said Anyieth D’Awol, founder of the ROOTS Project.
The successful launch of South Sudan’s referendum is cause for celebration, but a lot of work remains, emphasized Senator John Kerry, actor George Clooney, and Enough Co-Founder John Prendergast at a press conference in Juba.
“I have been waiting a long time for this day,” said a young man named Carter, standing in the intense, early morning sun. “Everyone here has, and we’re going for separation,” he said, gesturing toward the long lines of people around him who turned out to this polling station to vote in the South Sudan referendum on independence.
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir was Juba yesterday, delivering a conciliatory message to southerners who turned out in droves to bid him, as one spectator put it, "his last farwell."
On January 5, four days before the referendum, we will be out in force in the streets of downtown Pittsburgh, carrying signs of villages destroyed in Darfur and in South Sudan, writes David Rosenberg in this guest post.
A week out from the conclusion of the registration period for South Sudan’s referendum, domestic and international observers are beginning to agree that the process, though not perfect, was credible.
Sometimes journalists working in chaotic, hostile environments uncover amazing stories. Other times, they become the story.
The countdown to independence is on – literally, in the glowing red digital clock in a central roundabout in town that ticks off the time left until January 9 in days, minutes, and seconds.
This week marked an important milestone in the countdown to South Sudan's referendum – and not just among communities living in Sudan.
After months of delay, voter registration for South Sudan’s referendum belatedly began yesterday in Sudan and in the eight countries around the world that host the largest southern Sudanese populations.
After an extended five-day conference between South Sudanese political parties, civil society, and religious groups in Juba, a faint vision of the type of state southern secession may bring has emerged.
Since last week, President of South Sudan Salva Kiir has very publicly extended olive branches to a number of rebel leaders, political opposition, and other armed actors in the South who have the potential to stir up violence and threaten the vote.
With less than 100 days until southern Sudanese go to the polls to vote for unity or secession, here's a snapshot of how referendum preparation is coming along.
A decision by the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly to arm and train the so-called Arrow Boys underlines the inability of South Sudan’s army to protect civilians while raising the risk that the new militia could constitute an effective private army for local politicians seeking influence.
The Enough Project is no longer operational. Its mission is continued by The Sentry, an investigative organization providing new leverage for human rights, peace, and anti-corruption efforts. Explore The Sentry’s work at TheSentry.org.