Publication

South Sudan is just eight months away from a self-determination referendum that will likely result in its secession from the North. Much remains to be done to implement the outstanding elements of Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), and time is running out. The agreement’s underlying aim of ‘making unity attractive’ has failed, and most Southerners thus appear determined to choose independence. Neighboring states are increasingly focused on the fragile circumstances in Sudan and the likelihood of a newly independent state in the region. Support from Sudan’s neighbors for the referendum process and respect for its result will be crucial to ensuring peace and stability in the country and the region.