ISS Seminar: Addis Ababa: Analyzing the results of the Sudanese elections: What is the way forward

Date: 2010-05-07

Venue: UNECA, Addis Ababa

RSVP: Ms. Beacal Bisrat

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa*, Addis Ababa Ethiopia

The African Conflict Prevention Programme -(ACPP) Institute for Security Studies (ISS), Addis Ababa Office will hold a seminar entitled: Analyzing the results of the Sudanese elections: what is the way forward ?

Sudan’s first multi-party presidential and parliamentary election in a quarter of a century was held on April 11th 2010. This historic election was an outcome of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) of 2005, which ended the war in Southern Sudan and established a transitional government between the National Congress Party and the Sudan People Liberation Movement/Army SPLM/A. Although the Agreement was not implemented as planned, yet some solid steps were made in the right direction. Elections are a key component of the CPA, and it is a major step in the implementation of the peace pact. However several problems accompanied elections.

The results have shown a landslide victory for the National Congress Party, led by President Omar Hassan al-Bashir. The majority of the opposition parties have boycotted the proceedings even before voting started. According to the oppositions and observers, the ballot was inundated by problems and serious irregularities. There are also accusations of fraud and intimidation. It has become clear now that the election did not meet the expectations of the majority of Sudanese political forces. While they accept the results, many of them including Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) are casting serious doubts on the legitimacy of the government.

This seminar is set to constructively examine the options available for the country to achieve an acceptable solution that would guarantee peace and security. Among the question the seminar will strive to answer are: What are the implications of April election results on Sudan’s unity, peace and security? What are the implications for Nuba Mountains, South Kurdofan, Blue Nile and Darfur? Will the electoral process and outcome contribute to a premature breakup of the South? Will the NCP make genuine concessions to allow a fair share of power and resources? What could have the regional and international community done to push for fair and inclusive elections? What are the implications for referendum?

The ACPP strives to complement and support the work of the African Union and regional organisations particularly on issues of peace and security in Africa. The ISS Public Seminar Series is a part of the ACPP’s effort at consensus building by providing a platform for sharing information, encouraging policy debates and dialogue on Africa`s peace and security as well as development agenda. The aim is to stimulate quality discussion, in-depth and constructive interaction between participants.

Friday, May 7, 2010

09:00 – 09:30 Arrivals - Tea & Coffee

09:30 – 09:45 Welcoming Remarks by Mr. Roba Sharamo, Acting Director ISS Addis Ababa/Programme Head Conflict Prevention Programme (CPP)

09:45 – 9:50 Introductory Remarks by Muna Abdalla

9:50 – 10:20 A fresher look at the role of regional and international community in April elections, What went wrong and the way forward?

Dr. Siddig Umbadda -Chairman of Darfur Civil Society Committee (Academic)

10:20 – 10:45 Expected formulas for power and wealth sharing in light of the results
Ms. Hala Mohamed Abdelhalim -President of Hag Political Party

10:45 – 11:10 The implications of elections results on Southern Sudan and referendum
Mr. Yai Joseph Mayen de Dut, SPLM -Politician

11:10 – 11:40 The implications of elections results on Nuba Mountains, South Kurdofan, Blue Nile and Darfur
Mr. Makki Ali Balail -Politician from Nuba Mountain

11:40 – 12:25 Discussions

12:25 – 12:30 Closing Remarks

12:30 Lunch

Please note that discussions occur under ISS Rules.  Participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.

*Please note that ISS will take care of entrance permits to UNECA to all invitees. For issuance of entrance permits for those interested but not invited please give your details to Ms. Beacal, Bisrat Programme Assistant CPP & PRP / Phone: +251-11-3721154/5/6 Fax: +251-11-3725954 Mobile: +251-91 1236553. Please contact Ms. Beacal Bisrat if you require any further detail.

Interview with Mr Yai Joseph Mayen de Dut, SPLM, who presented on ‘The implications of elections results on Southern Sudan and referendum’

Interview with Dr Elshafie Khidir Saeid Ahmed, who presented on ‘Expected formulas for power and wealth sharing in light of the results’