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.

Source:  Business Day Article Link:  Read More Published Date:  10/02/2012 Former President Thabo Mbeki expresses excitement about the signing of the Sudan-South Sudan Co-operation Agreement, which he describes as “epoch-making in terms of the remaking of the African continent.”

Source:  The Huffington Post Article Link:  Read More Published Date:  10/16/2012 Princeton Lyman, special envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, argues that the leaders of Sudan and South Sudan have “laid out a visionary path for the future of their countries” after approving “a series of groundbreaking agreements on security, financial, nationality and other issues.”

Source:  Office of the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan Article Link:  Read More Published Date:  09/28/2012 Susan Page, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan, writes about the importance of helping South Sudan foster its nascent democracy in her op-ed, “Democracy is a Fragile Thing.” She reflects on the struggles the South Sudanese endured on their path to democracy and marvels at their unbroken spirit despite the slow “pace of change” and “imperfect democratic processes.”

Author:  Susan D. Page Publisher:  Office of the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan Published Date:  09/28/2012 Resource Type:  Op-ed Language:  English

After more than two years of negotiations, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) of 2005 ended the Second Sudanese Civil War and, as one of the key provisions of the agreement, provided southern Sudanese the right to determine their independence through a popular referendum on January 9, 2011. After nearly 98 percent of voters cast their ballots for independence, the Republic of South Sudan was formed on July 9, 2011. Since 2004, NDI has worked in South Sudan (formerly southern Sudan) to support the referendum and address the challenges to a democratic transition, particularly the gap between citizen expectations of their government and the limitations it faces. While independence marked a new chapter for the people of South Sudan, challenges persist. Since South Sudan’s confrontation with Sudan over the contested Heglig (or Panthou) oil fields in April 2012, tensions between the Lou Nuer and Murle tribes in South Sudan’s Jonglei state, and increased refugee flows from Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile are ongoing sources of instability. Further, the decision by the Republic of South Sudan (RSS) in January 2012 to shut down its oil production following reports of theft by the government of Sudan creates uncertainty about the viability of South Sudan’s economy and the ability of the RSS to provide basic services. The political and economic challenges facing South Sudan are not lost on its citizens. NDI’s public opinion research in South Sudan finds there is a large gap between citizens’ expectations for their new country and the harsh realities it is currently facing, including tribalism, insecurity and unemployment. South Sudan’s success as a nation, in the short- and long-term, will largely depend on how quickly the government and citizens can reconcile that gap. The deteriorating economic situation following the oil pipeline shutdown makes this particularly difficult, but many opportunities still exist to constructively engage citizens and government officials. Read More NDI in South Sudan Domestic Observation Focus Group Research in South Sudan Community Organizing Constituency Dialogues Constitutional Development in South Sudan Civic Education in South Sudan Let's Talk: Radio Programming for Civic Education Contact Information Subscribe to updates about South Sudan After more than two years of negotiations, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) of 2005 ended the Second Sudanese Civil War and, as one of the key provisions of the agreement, provided southern Sudanese the right to determine their independence through a popular referendum on January 9, 2011. After nearly 98 percent of voters cast their ballots for independence, the Republic of South Sudan was formed on July 9, 2011.

Sudan Tribune | Link to story  » Bor residents complaining that basic services are not available to them have called for the intervention of their members of parliament.

Citizens of South Sudan gather in a show of support for their new country. Tribal violence in South Sudan’s Jonglei state has displaced an estimated 120,000 people and left up to 3,000 dead. Meanwhile, the South Sudanese government has halted oil production due to unresolved wealth-sharing issues with Sudan and announced austerity measures to compensate for revenue losses and inflation. The increased violence and volatile economic situation represent a contrast with the bright future envisioned last year when South Sudan became the world’s newest country.

Author:  Traci D. Cook, Dr. Leben Nelson Moro Publisher:  National Democratic Institute Published Date:  03/22/2012 Resource Type:  Focus Group Language:  English

AllAfrica | Link to story  » The Bangladesh level II Hospital in the UNMISS, a section of Bangladesh medical corps are set to provide consultancy services to two selected health centers of Munuki and Kator.

An in-depth look at the activities of the Sudanese Group for Democracy and Elections from 2009 to 2011.