Sudan - South Sudan relations: Whither Now?

Date: 2013-06-21

Time: 10:00 to 12:30

Venue: Conference Room , ISS Pretoria

Just when it seemed the relations between Sudan and South Sudan were gradually warming after the signing of the security and implementation agreements between the two countries in April 2013, recent rhetoric between the two countries once again indicates rising tension. Among other things, the main issue driving the tension remains the contentious allegations of South Sudan's links with active armed groups in Sudan. Relations are fast deteriorating to the extent that Sudan has threatened to shutdown pipelines carrying oil from South Sudan's oil fields to Port Sudan.

The seriousness Sudan has attached to the issue this time around appears to directly point to the question of ongoing battles between the Sudanese army and the Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) rebel coalition and the bigger question of national stability, political survival of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) following signs of opposition mobilisation through the recent signing of the New Dawn Charter, and the 'liberation' of Abu Kershola by the Sudanese army from the SRF. So what does this mean for the political future of Sudan and the relations between Sudan and South Sudan? These issues and more will be addressed from the perspective of the government of the Republic of Sudan.

Chair:Dr. Paul-Simon Handy, Head of Conflict Prevention and Risk Analysis Division, ISS

Speaker:H.E. Minister Idris Abdelgader, Chief Government Negotiator of the Republic of the Sudan

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