The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

The death of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Chairman, President of the Government of Southern Sudan and Sudanese First Vice President John Garang on July 30, 2005, sent shockwaves throughout Sudan and the international community. Riots that occurred immediately following his death raised fears that the peace process would collapse, but the SPLM successfully stabilized the situation by reinforcing its commitment to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which had been signed just seven months earlier. Nevertheless, many challenges remain, and Southerners continue to wrestle with what Garang's passing means for their future.

This report is based on a series of 32 focus groups conducted in 14 locations across Southern Sudan and the Three Areas between November 16 and December 1, 2005. An additional two groups were conducted among Sudanese Diaspora in Nairobi on December 10. In total, 349 Southern Sudanese participated in the 34 groups in 15 locations.

Note: The first link below connects to the full report. The next two links connect to the segments of the report in consecutive order, for easier downloading.