Tag: South Sudan

Armed Groups Vie for Power in South Sudan

In a recent report analyzing South Sudan’s changing political scene, the International Crisis Group described the region’s transition to statehood as a “window of opportunity,” particularly for those formerly excluded from positions of political power, “in which relationships between, and among, state and non-state actors may be redefined.” The assurance of South Sudan’s independence in July appears to have altered the calculations of many of the region’s armed actors in similar fashion. Since the announcement of South Sudan’s referendum results in early February, the region’s headlines have been dominated by the violent activities of existing militias, and the announcements of new ones emerging.

South Sudan Army on the Offensive Following Malakal Flare-ups

In the aftermath of recent flare-ups in Upper Nile between South Sudan’s army and southern militias, the southern government has quickly blamed its northern counterparts for the ongoing instability. And while northern complicity should be investigated, the strategy of the southern army vis à vis militias is also worth a look. The SPLA has decided to take on a more pre-emptive role rather than being on the defensive, as they were in recent months when they worked to entice splinter factions to come into the fold ahead of the referendum.

South Sudan: Conflict Zone Widens as Militias Conduct Bold Attacks on Malakal

Upper Nile police and SPLA forces clashed with militia men led by Commander Olony in the state capital of Malakal over the weekend. As the conflict theater expands and becomes increasing inaccessible to the United Nations and humanitarian organizations, details about culpability and the impact on civilians are difficult to ascertain.

New Report Released on Militias in South Sudan

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.

South Sudan's Militias

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.

Hundreds Dead from Violence in South Sudan

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.

Window of Opportunity for Women in South Sudan

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.

Fighting Resumes Between Renegade General and South Sudan Army

Intense fighting broke out in South Sudan on Wednesday and Thursday, killing over 100 people, according to various news reports .

South Sudan Set to Gain Independence in July

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.

South Sudan: 'We Want to Build a Proud Nation'

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.

Senator Kerry on South Sudan vote: ‘This is really the beginning’

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.

Euphoria, Long Lines Mark South Sudan’s First Day of Voting

“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.

Bashir Visits South Sudan Ahead of Sunday's Vote

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."

Pittsburgh to March Ahead of South Sudan Referendum

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.

South Sudan Overcomes Hurdle Ahead of Referendum

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.

Epic South Sudan River Trip for Enough Photographer

Sometimes journalists working in chaotic, hostile environments uncover amazing stories. Other times, they become the story.

South Sudan’s Foregone Conclusion?

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.

Sudanese Refugees Gear Up for Vote on Future of South Sudan

This week marked an important milestone in the countdown to South Sudan's referendum – and not just among communities living in Sudan.

Registration for South Sudan Referendum (Finally) Underway

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.

The Making-of South Sudan?

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.