Watch this video blog for an update on recent events in Sudan.
The past few weeks have been eventful for Sudan. Current President Omar al-Bashir was re-elected during Sudan’s first multi-party election in decades with sixty-eight percent of the vote; Salva Kiir retained his position as the president of Sudan’s semi- autonomous south with almost ninety-three percent of the vote. The National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) have vowed to work together to form the new government, accepting the election results at all levels.
Even though the election process was relatively peaceful, violence followed the elections. More than fifty-two civilians were killed and fifty-five others wounded in renewed tribal clashes in Sudan’s South Darfur State, in a class between Rizeigat and al-Sada tribes at various areas, about sixty kilometers north of Nyala, the capital city of South Darfur State. The same week, cattle raiders killed as many as seventeen villagers and displaced many more after they attacked Yirol East County in South Sudan. Over three days, the raiders took both cattle and children.Armed conflict has also broken out in Darfur between Arab nomads and South Sudan’s army along the north-south border. It left dozens dead and many more displaced.
Fortunately, the four South African peacekeepers, who were kidnapped in Darfur prior to the elections, have been released. Also, the UN Security Council extended the mandate of the UNMIS peacekeeping mission until April 30, 2011. The new resolution called for UNMIS to use its authority to implement a mission-wide civilian protection program and mechanisms to resolve tribal conflict. UNMIS was also tasked with playing a lead role in preparations for the upcoming referendum in South Sudan.
The technical committee responsible for the north and south border started its work on Tuesday. The physical demarcation of the border is expected to be completed by the January referendum.
Keep your eye on the Sudanese news, and watch out for more updates!
-Emma Smith, National Sudan Education Coordinator