2011 will be a momentous year for Sudan, Horn of Africa and the international community at large. As provided for in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Sudan has entered into the final and most critical year of its postwar transition period. Southern Sudan’s self-determination referendum, scheduled for January 2011, could very well result in partition of the country and the emergence of an independent South. Obviously, the founding of a sovereign Southern Sudanese state would have profound implications for the region’s political dynamics and would reshape its security and economic environments. Consequently, considering the recent developments and political climate in the country, regional countries comprising the Horn and central Africa and the international community are alert and closely watching the unfolding dynamics.

Cognisant of the situation and in line with the African Union 2010 as the Year of Peace and Security in Africa and on the threshold of the self-determination referendum, the Institute for Security Studies and the Clingendael Conflict Research Unit jointly host this expert roundtable with the objective of identifying and discussing the future challenges and opportunities for a peaceful coexistence and cooperation between (a potentially independent) Southern Sudan and its neighbours. The roundtable brings together distinguished regional experts, diplomats, academics, government officials and civil society representatives to dialogue on specific themes with a view to prevent and manage conflicts and generate specific practical policy options on the way forward. The most important findings will serve as input for a follow-up workshop, to be held later this year, that will search for entry points for international and regional donors to constructively engage in this regional process.

Date: Thursday 30 September 2010

Time: 8:30 - 5:00 PM

Venue: ISS Nairobi Conference Room, Nairobi, Kenya