Sudan Prepares for January Referendum
On January 9, Sudan will hold an independence referendum that many world leaders fear will incite the country back into civil war. According to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, “handled properly, the January ballot could help build a future that improves the lives of all Sudanese. Handled poorly, it could spark conflict with consequences across Africa and beyond.” Many believe that the election will result in North-South partition, dividing Africa’s largest country.
In front of last month’s UN General Assembly meeting, President Obama reiterated the need for peace in Sudan, “We will pursue a lasting peace in Sudan through support for the people of Darfur and the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, so that we secure the peace that the Sudanese people deserve…we will work with the U.N. and other partners to support an enduring peace.”
To highlight the UN’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, free, fair, and on-time election for south Sudan on January 9, a high-level UN delegation visited Sudan last month, including US Ambassador Susan Rice. The trip included tours of both North and South Sudan, as well as Darfur in addition to a series of briefings, meetings with ministers and officials, and visits to voting sites to monitor progress.
In a briefing to the Security Councilupon her return, Ambassador Rice expressed her gratitude to the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS). “UNMIS reported that the Mission has increased its presence at the state and county levels and is working with local authorities to mitigate risks throughout the referenda process.”
There has been discussion within the Security Council of using some of the 10,000 peacekeepers in UNMIS to create a buffer along the border hotspots to ensure a free and fair election. While changes to the Mission remain up for debate, the Security Council has made it clear that peacekeepers will play a critical role in the months to come in Sudan. Learn more about UN peacekeepers in Sudan here.
Early this week, actor and activist George Clooney – who traveled to south Sudan last week as well – spoke with President Obama regarding the need for international pressure and diplomacy in preparation for the referendum. After the meeting, Clooney spoke to reporters saying, “At a time that is one of the most politicized times ever, this is something that everyone agrees on: If there's some way to get ahead of this and stop it before it happens, we better.”
Learn more about UN Peacekeeping in Sudan - visit our pages on the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) and the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID).
