Sudans Working Group: An Update on the Political Situations in Sudan and South Sudan
The Wilson Center Africa Program’s Sudans Working Group met on November 10, 2022 for an off-the-record, virtual discussion with Professor Jok Madut Jok, Professor of Anthropology, Syracuse University, Dr. Francis M. Deng, Ambassador-at-Large, Republic of South Sudan, and Dr. Brian D’Silva, retired Senior Policy Advisor, Sudan and South Sudan, USAID.
Event Sponsor
Overview
Thirty-five participants attended the meeting, including representatives from the U.S. government, NGOs, think tanks, and academia.
Mr. Steven Walker, Senior Diplomatic Fellow with the Wilson Center Africa Program, moderated the meeting that focused on the current situation in Sudan and South Sudan as well as potential paths forward for the working group.
Dr. Francis Deng discussed pathways toward a common ground and assessed the potential for structured dialogue and third party involvement in resolving tension between Sudan and South Sudan, particularly over Abyei. Dr. Jok Madut Jok assessed civilian life in South Sudan, including extreme weather conditions, financial limitations, and localized conflict. Dr. Brian D’Silva offered an assessment on Sudan’s goldmining and conflict over land. Dr. D’Silva also discussed international presence in Sudan and how to make sure this presence benefits Sudan.
Participants spoke to the need for structured dialogue and challenges to compromise. The participants emphasized that this dialogue is important to prevent future conflict and resolve current tensions. Participants also discussed the role of women and youth in peace, economics, and governance.
Overall, the discussion highlighted areas for potential compromise and peace while acknowledging the challenges that both Sudan and South Sudan face.
Speakers
Jok Madut Jok
Professor, Syracuse University and Senior Researcher, The Sudd Institute
Brian D'Silva
Francis Deng
Hosted By
Africa Program
The Africa Program works to address the most critical issues facing Africa and US-Africa relations, build mutually beneficial US-Africa relations, and enhance knowledge and understanding about Africa in the United States. The Program achieves its mission through in-depth research and analyses, public discussion, working groups, and briefings that bring together policymakers, practitioners, and subject matter experts to analyze and offer practical options for tackling key challenges in Africa and in US-Africa relations. Read more
Thank you for your interest in this event. Please send any feedback or questions to our Events staff.
