This paper explores the role of traditional authorities – who play a key role in local governance – in post-2005 state-building processes in South Sudan. It argues that after 2005 administrative structures are not installed in a vacuum of power but rather, a variety of actors and strategic groups negotiate and compete for public authority, statehood and access to resources in local political arenas. Download
repository
CSRF Research Repository
The CSRF Research Repository aims to support greater contextual knowledge for policy makers, programme managers, and implementers by providing a searchable repository of research, analysis, and resources, and providing periodic updates on new research and analysis.
The findings presented in this report from 2010 are the result of an assessment that was conducted by an independent consultant on two DGTTF (Democratic Governance Thematic Trust Fund) funded projects in Southern Sudan in 2005 and 2008. The projects were part of UNDP’s broad efforts to support the development of decentralized democratic governance through the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in January 2005.
This article from 2010 focuses on how the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), and its political wing, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), have incorporated complex operations of foreigners into their strategies for fighting wars and gaining political power. Download
This report based on empirical data analyzes the current dynamics of justice at the local level, identifying priorities for reform according to the expressed needs and perceptions of local litigants.
This report (2010) analyses the impact of demarcation on the peoples of the borderlands of Sudan and South Sudan and how it may affect local and national political developments.
This article explores the history of elections by secret ballot in Sudan since the 1950s, and considers what lessons this history may offer in the run-up to the national elections planned under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The article locates the repeated use of the secret ballot in Sudan in the context of a wider state-directed project of modernity, for which the secret ballot offers a performative enactment of the relationship between an efficient state and…
During Southern Sudan’s second period of civil war, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) provided almost all of the region’s public services and greatly influenced local administration. Refugee movements, inadequate infrastructures, food shortages, accountability issues, disputes and other difficulties overwhelmed both the agencies and newly developed civil authorities. Blurred distinctions between political and humanitarian activities resulted, as demonstrated in a controversy surrounding a 2004 distribution of relief food in Central Equatoria State. Based on analysis of documents, correspondence…
Based on 78 focus groups conducted from October 20, 2008-February 6, 2009 with 964 participants, this report seeks to understand the mind-set of participants living in Southern Sudan and the Three Areas as they approach the national election scheduled for April 2010. Download
This policy brief from 2009 discussess some of the possible consequences of South Sudan’s secession. Download
Projects Sudan’s 2010 elections, the nature of the Sudanese state and politics and the calculations of key political players. Download
Curious to broaden your search to Sudan?
Try our sister facility CSF