NDI - South Sudan

Grave Mistake to Downplay Landmark African Agreement

dleonard — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 20:17:26 +0000

Source:

Business Day

Article Link:

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.”

The agreements define a slew of matters including economic, security, nationality and border issues all in the interest of creating and maintaining peace. “They determine that the conflict in this part of Africa has ceased to be a UN Charter Chapter VII threat to international peace and security.” These agreements “constitute the most comprehensive set of agreements determining relations between two African neighboring states...” Lastly, they are the “only” agreements in “which two independent African states enter into a binding agreement to work together for mutual benefit, to ensure each develops as a viable state.”

The “bulk” of African media “essentially ignored the signing of the Sudan-South Sudan Co-operation Agreement, treating this immensely important African development virtually as a non-event.” President Mbeki believes that is a “failure by the media to inform its readers, listeners and viewers about a matter vital to Africa’s future,” and will “inevitably feed the perception that Africa’s future” is defined by outside forces.

As Mbeki asserts, these historic agreement “sets a unique benchmark between two African sovereign states about how neighbors should construct relations, to give concrete reality to the objectives shared by the peoples of our continent of African integration, unity, solidarity and mutually beneficial co-operation.”

The implementation of this agreement could make the Sudanese people “pathfinders” or “pioneers” in achieving “the historic objective of African unity.”

Taking the Long View for the Peoples of Sudan and South Sudan

dleonard — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 17:10:22 +0000

Source:

The Huffington Post

Article Link:

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.”

To implement these agreements, “the two states need to put in place the agreed-upon demilitarized border zone that will reduce the danger of armed clashes.” Secondly, they need to restart oil production, “which will allow South Sudan to enjoy the profits of its own sovereign resources and Sudan to benefit economically through fees.” These negotiations “ease Sudan’s loss of 70 percent of its oil reserves when South Sudan became independent” and also ensure that the South will have the economic resources to continue nation building.

“Perhaps even more exciting is the prospect for lucrative trade at the borders,” explains Lyman who believes that cross-border trade “could provide economic gains that rival or even exceed oil exports.” The agreement of a “soft border will preserve traditional and nomadic ways of live” and “will make it possible for border communities to become places of shared investment and not flashpoints for conflict.”

These agreements have left two issues unresolved: “a process for determining the final status of disputed border and claimed areas, and for the disputed region of Abyei.” Lyman also notes that Sudan has continued to violate international norms , bombing civilian areas in Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur and that South Sudan “continues to struggle with its own internal challenges” such as human rights issues and “managing internal conflict in places like Jonglei province.”

“But in taking the long view, Sudan and South Sudan have taken a chance on each other in hopes of ushering in a new era of collaboration and mutual benefit.” While both countries still face considerable challenges, “these agreements are the best chance for the Sudanese and South Sudanese to know the peace for which they have long yearned.”

Democracy Is a Fragile Thing

dleonard — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 18:53:46 +0000

Source:

Office of the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan

Article Link:

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.”

“The U.S. government’s assistance to South Sudan is not a gift-it is an investment,” Ambassador Page notes when summarizing the $1 billion in assistance that the U.S. has provided for infrastructure and development. The South Sudanese people must remain committed to the values of representative government and fundamental freedoms and, in turn, the “United States will continue to stand by you.”

The democratic process is “often messy,” notes Ambassador Page, but “it does work and it works best over the long term.” Reflecting on the fragility of new democracies as “hard earned, but easily lost,” she urges the Sudanese people to keep [their] “eyes set on the goal of a strong, unified nation [that] will ultimately prosper, even if the fruits of that toil are ultimately enjoyed by future generations.”

Democracy Is a Fragile Thing

dleonard — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 18:48:20 +0000

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

Attachment	Size
Op-ed Democracy Is a Fragile Thing.pdf	156.5 KB

South Sudan

dleonard — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 21:06:21 +0000

NDI in South Sudan

Since 2004, USAID has supported NDI’s efforts to help South Sudan carry out the mandates of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and, since January 9, 2011, to prepare for independence. Leading up to independence, NDI: prepared citizens for participation in key political processes, including the April 2010 elections and the January 2011 referendum; conducted focus group research to highlight citizen views on key issues for government officials; educated South Sudan’s predominantly illiterate population about their rights and obligations through radio programming, voter education campaigns and community-level briefings; and supported the development of civil society so that it can balance the concentration of power in government at local, state and national levels. In 2012, USAID continues to support NDI and its partners to: strengthen citizen-government cooperation; improve citizen participation to positively engage government in key political and democratic processes such as the development of a permanent constitution; strengthen public awareness of democratic principles and processes; and strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) to engage with communities, government officials and other key stakeholders in advancing peace-building and democratic processes.

Domestic Observation

During the April 2010 election and for the Southern Sudan Referendum in January 2011, NDI provided financial and technical support to civil society organizations in northern and southern Sudan to observe these political processes. Two coalitions of civil society organizations—the South Sudanese Network for Democracy and Elections (SuNDE)» and its northern counterpart, the Sudan Group for Democracy and Elections (SuGDE)»—trained and deployed 400 observers for the April 2010 elections in all 25 states. The groups collected and electronically stored more than 13,500 observation reports, analyzed them and wrote a report using that data. The same month, SuNDE and SuGDE released the first-ever nonpartisan nation-wide domestic observation report in Sudan, in which declared, based on their observations, that “the elections did not fulfill the Interim Constitution’s and CPA’s aspirations for democratic transition and did not adequately meet the requirements of the National Elections Commission rules and regulations.”

The two groups continued their cooperation for the 2011 Southern Sudan Referendum where they used more than 3,000 observers and collected more than 11,000 forms that were analyzed. SuNDE and SuGDE issued a joint statement on the polling process, noting that it was mostly free and fair and met the 60 percent turnout threshold. In 2012, NDI continues to support SuNDE in its advocacy efforts.

SuNDE issues its report on observing the voter registration process»

Focus Group Research in South Sudan

Since 2004, NDI has conducted regular qualitative public opinion research throughout southern Sudan and the independent South Sudan to help policymakers, civil society groups and the international community better understand citizens' views during the country's dynamic transitional period. To conduct this research, NDI has relied upon focus group discussions that allow chosen participants to compare perspectives, exchange ideas and discuss the political environment to offer a fuller snapshot of public opinion. NDI's research seeks to gauge attitudes and highlight citizens' needs and expectations.

In NDI’s thirteenth report» released in March 2012, citizens were asked their thoughts on creating a representative government. Citizens’ responses confirmed tribalism as one of the key issues; however, citizens did articulate a desire to address the high level of mistrust among the different tribes and offered specific solutions. In the short-term, South Sudanese indicated that the government must make efforts to guarantee tribal balance in the appointment of senior government posts, public service employment and the distribution of development. In the long-term, participants talked about the need for government-led reconciliation to achieve their vision of a unified South Sudan. Citizens described a country in which appointments and employment would be based solely on qualifications, development activities would be pursued based only on merit and need and all citizens could trust that they will be treated equally.

Community Organizing

In South Sudan, NDI has provided technical assistance to local organizations to engage with communities at the grassroots level, identify issues that are important to them and mobilize civil society organizations and citizens to advocate on those issues. NDI local and expatriate staff in all 10 states in South Sudan train local civic leaders to identify common issues within their community and ways to systematically address them. Civil society organizations and citizens have identified needs in their communities such as: security, education, access to food and health services, and economic and vocational opportunities. The groups conduct research on the issues and begin voicing their concerns and sharing their research with government officials.

Constituency Dialogues

NDI supports its civil society partner SuNDE to conduct constituency dialogues, which are similar to “town hall” or community meetings involving a member of parliament and her or his constituents. To facilitate constituency dialogues, a SuNDE moderator offers constituents the opportunity to voice their concerns about local issues, raise questions directly to the member of parliament (MP), discuss and develop possible solutions and work for a resolution of the problems. NDI is supporting SuNDE’s organizing of constituency dialogues across all 10 states in order to: increase engagement between citizens and government officials in advance of a permanent constitution process; provide citizens with a way to constructively and nonviolently express their grievances through a political process; and to hold government officials accountable.

Constitutional Development in South Sudan

Since 2005, NDI has provided technical assistance on constitutional development processes in the former southern Sudan and newly independent RSS. During the development of the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, which was ratified in July 2011, NDI provided administrative and technical support to the Technical Drafting Committee, and worked with and supported civic groups, parliamentary representatives and political party leaders to identify avenues for participation. In 2012, NDI is prepared to provide similar technical support when the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) begins its public information and civic education programs before drafting the permanent constitution.

Southern Sudanese Women's Coalition Calls for More Inclusive Consitution»

Civic Education in South Sudan

NDI works with local partners in South Sudan to get out important civic education messages. During the 2011 Southern Sudan Referendum, NDI and its partners Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the South Sudanese Network for Democracy and Elections (SuNDE) reached 1.2 million people during civic education efforts at local and national levels through door-to-door campaigns, market day announcements and Sunday sermons at churches. SuNDE, with support from NDI, will continue to get out important messages on upcoming political processes, such as the constitutional development process. NDI also will continue to work with CRS on messages focused on peace-building through similar methods in 2012 and 2013.

Read more about SuNDE, a coalition of local groups working to educate and register Sudanese voters»

Let's Talk: Radio Programming for Civic Education

One of the best ways to ensure widespread communication in South Sudan is through radio broadcasting. NDI has conducted radio-based civic education in southern Sudan and the independent South Sudan since 2007 through its Let’s Talk radio program. Let’s Talk, a 30-minute program with a drama, an educational section, and a call-in discussion segment, introduces listeners to civic topics ranging from human rights to citizens’ roles and responsibilities in a democracy. Let’s Talk episodes were originally focused on basic concepts outlined in the CPA and have evolved over time to address more current topics such as the impact of refugees returning home to their communities and customary and legal land rights.

Listen to "Let's Talk!" episodes:
Episode #2: Laws
Episode #7: Anticorruption
Episode #14: Democracy
Episode #17: Human Rights
Episode #19: Women’s Rights
Episode #25: The Role of Civil Society Organizations
Episode #43: Local Government
Episode #48: Defining Free and Fair Elections

Contact Information

For more information about these programs, use our contact form or contact:

Washington, D.C.
Brianne Lute, Program Manager
blute@ndi.org
(202) 728-5528

Juba, South Sudan
Kury Cobham, Country Director
kcobham@ndi.org
+211 (0) 959 000 869

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.

Subscribe to updates about South Sudan

Jonglei Citizens Critical of Lack of Basic Services | March 26, 2012

fstovall — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:21:35 +0000

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.

Youths, women, chiefs and elders from the Gok South constituency converged in Bor to meet Philip Thon Nyok, who represents them in Jonglei legislative assembly and Jun Malat from the South Sudan Legislative Assembly, on 24 March. The constitutional dialogue is was organised by the Sudan Network for Democratic Elections (SuNDE), the largest non-partisan democratic motoring organisation operating in South Sudan with funding from National Democratic Institute (NDI).

Link to story »

South Sudanese Want Fair and Inclusive Government, NDI Study Finds

ntekeei — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:44:09 +0000

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. It has also produced a growing pessimism among South Sudan citizens about the direction of their new country, according to the findings of NDI’s latest public opinion study in South Sudan, which were released in a March XX report. Participants cite increasing tribal violence and the tenuous economic situation, which has produced a significant rise in the cost of living, as well as lack of development as the key sources of their concerns that the country is on the wrong track.

Citizens of South Sudan gather in a show of support for their new country.

It has also produced a growing pessimism among South Sudan citizens about the direction of their new country, according to the findings of NDI’s latest public opinion study in South Sudan, which were released in a March 22 report. Participants cite increasing tribal violence and the tenuous economic situation, which has produced a significant rise in the cost of living, as well as lack of development as the key sources of their concerns that the country is on the wrong track.

They also identified as crucial to their future questions of how to govern and unite a country with such immense ethnic diversity and a troubled history of ethnic conflict.

The focus group report – NDI’s 13th study in Sudan and South Sudan since 2004 – cites findings from 44 focus group discussions held in all 10 states in November-December 2011 in which 545 participants share their thoughts on creating an inclusive and fair government. Participants also suggest ways in which the government can increase the public’s confidence in its ability to deliver a better life for all, regardless of tribal affiliation.

Participants said the most effective strategies for making everyone feel included were to deliver basic services equitably and ensure tribal balance in government. They also want the South Sudanese government to support measures to include women, youth and opposition political parties in government.

President Salva Kiir’s decision to fulfill, and even exceed, the mandated quota of 25 percent for women’s representation in his national cabinet was widely endorsed by participants.

Exceeding the quota “is a very good idea to encourage women to improve,” said two young men from Central Equatoria. “Women have been neglected in the country for too long; that’s a beautiful idea.”

In South Sudan, where 70 percent of the population is under 30, the focus group participants also highlighted youth political participation as important.

“Youth should be involved in the government because they are the key foundation of government,” said an older [any other way to characterize? Older means different things to different people] man from Western Bahr el Ghazal.

Participants also said that convincing citizens that government is committed to development progress requires concentration on key areas, such as education, health care and roads; public consultation on development; and communication about plans and accomplishments.

But announcing development plans without specifying locations and failing to demonstrate progress creates more negative than positive views of government, further widening the gap between what citizens expect and what the government can provide, according to the participants.

Other key findings from the report:

Most participants said it was important for a political party that wins an election to include other political parties in the government, though they also said there should be criteria to define which parties are eligible to participate;
Participants said South Sudanese abhor tribalism but engage in it because of unfair government employment practices and inequitable service distribution; and
Most believe it is South Sudan’s duty to help resolve the Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile conflicts, but there are mixed views on whether the country’s assistance should focus on dialogue, humanitarian relief and/or military aid.

Participant responses led NDI to suggest steps the government of South Sudan could take to promote more inclusive government and engage average citizens, particularly women and youth. NDI’s specific recommendations included:

Promoting inclusiveness by addressing the public’s concern about tribal balance in government, demonstrating equitable treatment in development, and consulting citizens about government plans and decisions;
Managing development expectations by communicating government accomplishments and specific plans for future development and increasing public confidence through regular consultation with citizens on whether development is being equitably distributed;
Increasing citizen participation in the development of a permanent constitution;
Demonstrating concern for citizens and a vision for the future by responding to citizen expectations, such as providing emergency hunger relief, increasing the flow of goods into the country to reduce prices and expressing a vision for how to increase South Sudan’s self-sufficiency.

The public opinion study, entitled Governing South Sudan: Opinions of South Sudanese on a Government That Can Meet Citizen Expectations, was researched and written by Traci Cook, senior advisor and regional director for focus group research at NDI, and Dr. Leben Nelson Moro, acting director of the Directorate of External Relations at the University of Juba.

Read more:

Published March 26, 2012

Governing South Sudan: Opinions of South Sudanese on a Government That Can Meet Citizen Expectations

ntekeei — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:38:20 +0000

Author:

Traci D. Cook, Dr. Leben Nelson Moro

Publisher:

National Democratic Institute

Published Date:

03/22/2012

Resource Type:

Focus Group

Language:

English

Attachment	Size
Read the focus group report	1.47 MB

South Sudan: Juba Health Centers Get Consultancy From Bangladesh | Feb. 29, 2012

fstovall — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:21:00 +0000

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.

All these services will be provided free of charge after the members of state parliament and those of the National Legislative Assembly from Central Equatoria State conceived the idea of getting support to back up the health centers in the state in partnership with National Democratic Institute.

Link to story »

Sudanese Citizen Coalition Calls for Wide-Ranging Electoral Reforms

ntekeei — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:35:00 +0000

Better civic education, independent oversight of how electoral districts are drawn and better representation of women in election preparations are among the recommendations of the Sudanese Group for Democracy and Elections (SuGDE).

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

SuGDE has evolved into a strong coalition of six citizen groups standing for free, fair and non-violent elections during the last two eventful two years in Sudan, including the first multi-party national elections in over two decades, gubernatorial elections in Southern Kordofan, and a referendum on South Sudan’s. The group’s recommendations have been published in a comprehensive report on electoral reforms based on its two years of election observing. The report includes 51 recommendations concerning all aspects of the electoral process addressing the election commission, voters and the media. Specific recommendations include:

Implementing election rules three months before polling begins to permit time for civic education;
Creating an independent body to oversee the drawing of districts and allowing the media to observe this process;
Considering religious and cultural traditions and practices while making election calendars;
Reserving at least 30 percent of the registration and polling committees for women; and
Limiting voting days to two days maxi¬mum, increasing the number of polling stations to account for heavier voting and setting aside one voting day as a national holiday.

Before releasing the report, SuGDE organized a forum with international experts, including a constitutional specialist from Kenya and an electoral reform expert from Lebanon, to discuss the best practices in drafting and advocating for legal reform. SuGDE said it will push to see its election recommendations carried out through passage of new legislation, amendments to old laws or strict enforcement of laws already on the books.

Supported technically and financially by NDI since its inception, SuGDE plans to grow its role in Sudan and the region.

The release of the report was followed closely by the launch of the coalition’s new website at www.sugde.org. The group also commissioned a documentary film that covers its two-year existence. The 13-minute documentary features interviews with SuGDE members and footage of election activities. The website details all of SuGDE’s activities and houses each of its many reports, including the most recent on electoral reform.

SuGDE members are the AZZA Women Association, the Babikr Badri Scientific Association for Women Studies, the Group for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Studies (GESCRS), HELA HELP organization, Human Security Initiative (MAMAN), and the Institute for Development of Civil Society (IDCS).

Read more:

Published March 12, 2012

Responding to Citizen Concerns, MPs Work to Expand Health Care in South Sudan

fstovall — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:31:15 +0000

Doctors and nurses from a U.N. hospital in South Sudan are treating patients in Munuki and Kator, two communities outside the capital that had no access to health care until now. The presence of the hospital staff grew out of a town hall-style meeting that was a first-time opportunity for residents of those communities to meet with their elected members of parliament.

A member of the Bangladeshi medical corps checks a patient's blood pressure in Kator. Photo by Victor Geri Ayub, NDI resident officer.

These meetings, known as constituency dialogues and organized by the South Sudanese Network for Democracy and Elections (SuNDE), in partnership with NDI, are new in South Sudan. During the session in Munuki, MPs described how the three branches of government work and explained what MPs can and can’t do — something that citizens may not yet be familiar with in the world’s newest democracy. When the floor was opened for questions, lack of access to health care topped the list of constituents’ concerns.

After the dialogue, SuNDE and NDI organized a meeting with MPs to figure out how to address that problem. MPs reached out to the Bangladesh Army Medical Corps, which staffs the U.N. mission’s hospital in Juba, the capital, and then met with the state health minister to see how the two could partner. The government reached an agreement with the hospital staff for them to provide medical care in those communities.

The program began Feb. 27. Hospital staff are in Munuki on Mondays and Kator on Wednesdays. Doctors provide preventative care as well as basic surgeries. More complex cases are referred to the U.N. hospital for treatment. All services are free.

At a ceremony inaugurating the program, Hastin Yokwe Anisio, deputy speaker of Central Equatoria State where Munuki and Kator are located, thanked the Bangladeshi corps for going above and beyond their mandate. "I hope our people will benefit from this service," he said.

Tongum Rombek , one of the MPs present at the dialogue, emphasized that this solution had originated with the people. “The constituency dialogue connected me with a large number of people,” he said. “They asked questions and we explained to them what we can and cannot do.”

SuNDE and NDI plan to hold 120 constituency dialogues in all 10 states of South Sudan in the coming year.

Related:

Published March 8, 2012

South Sudanese Citizens Connect with MPs for First Time

fstovall — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:34:21 +0000

The first-time opportunity to question their elected members of parliament (MPs) was so important to residents of South Sudan that some of them brought their own chairs to standing-room-only constituency dialogues organized in November by the South Sudanese Network for Democracy and Elections (SuNDE), a nonpartisan coalition of community groups.

MPs take questions during the dialogue in Bor.

More than 900 citizens attended the dialogues - three in Juba, the capital, and one in Bor, in central South Sudan - to talk about community concerns directly with their representatives, who were elected in April 2010. SuNDE, which observed that election and South Sudan’s referendum on independence last January, organized the dialogues in partnership with NDI to respond to concerns that MPs had not been interacting with constituents. The meetings also gave the lawmakers a chance to share information about what they’ve been working on since assuming office.

“This is the first time I have seen politicians who have been brought to the citizens so that we could tell them what is hindering the community,” said Andrew Sule Felix, one of the participants. “The important thing is that through dialogues we are able to raise questions to our politicians.”

Citizens in Juba asked about being able to see draft legislation, land rights, crime and how resources are allocated to the military. They also asked MPs to look into environmental damage resulting from an deal between the government and a sewage disposal company that allows the firm to dump sewage in the community.

The MPs answered the citizens with substantive discussions of policy. For example, they assured participants from Juba that South Sudanese who have a right to get land will get it, and promised to discuss the issue with relevant officials. The MPs will also use an existing constituency development fund to build a police checkpoint to help reduce crime. And they announced a plan to drill five wells to provide drinking water for the community and reduce the environmental risks of sewage disposal in the area.

In addition to answering questions, the MPs explained the structure of the still-new South Sudanese government, which has legislative, executive and judicial branches, and explained what they can and cannot do in their role as lawmakers.

SuNDE will hold more dialogues in the new year throughout the 10 states of South Sudan. The group will then follow-up with the communities to see if the MPs follow through on their promises.

Related:

Published Dec. 15, 2011

NDI Focus Group Research Documents South Sudanese Views on Building a New Nation

ntekeei — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:42:38 +0000

As the people of South Sudan undertake the task of building a new nation, public opinion research conducted by NDI shows they are optimistic about South Sudan’s future while also concerned about the fundamental challenges it faces.

In a report released today, 860 participants in 67 focus groups described their vision for South Sudan as democratic, peaceful, fair and united. The participants also shared their views on the barriers to building the new nation, identifying the main challenges as insecurity, underdevelopment, tribalism and corruption. The handling of these key issues, the participants believe, will determine the success or failure of the newly-independent South Sudan.

A peaceful and mutually beneficial relationship with South Sudan’s northern neighbor, Sudan, is also important to participants. Most support a “soft border” with Sudan – with low-tariffs and few crossing restrictions – and accept that South Sudan must pay a transit fee to Sudan for the transport of oil to its port on the Red Sea. The status of Abyei is also a concern, with most participants saying that any means necessary should be employed to ensure it becomes part of South Sudan.

The focus group study – the 12^th that NDI has done since 2004 – involved participants from all 10 states in South Sudan. Conducted March 16-April 6, 2011, it is the Institute’s first study after the Southern Sudan Referendum, which was held Jan. 9-15, 2011, and resulted in nearly 99 percent of voters supporting separation from Sudan.

Among the other key findings of the report were:

Participants fear the consequences of tribalism and believe a multi-pronged approach – cultural, administrative, political and legal – must be taken to address it;
Participants have high expectations for seeing major development changes shortly after independence;
Participants strongly support Abyei and believe the name, culture, language and skin color of the area’s residents prove beyond a doubt that it belongs to South Sudan; and
Participants desire a constitutional development process that includes all political parties and features strong input from citizens, including the requirement of a referendum for the adoption of the constitution.

Based on these and other findings, NDI offered recommendations to the government of South Sudan, civil society and the international community to ensure that the development of the world’s newest country will reflect the aspirations of ordinary South Sudanese citizens.

Specific recommendations include:

Conduct a long-running public campaign highlighting the country’s defined values and the benefits of peaceful coexistence and cooperation;
Manage development expectations by bringing citizens and government together to discuss development plans and progress, increasing citizen understanding and participation in the development process;
Organize a public dialogue on tribalism to acknowledge the issue is a critical one that must be addressed and collect citizen views throughout the country on how to mitigate its negative influence on South Sudan society and government;
Increase transparency on financial matters and publicize nation, state and county budgets so that citizens are better able to hold their officials accountable; and
Conduct extensive consultations, through elected officials, traditional authorities and media, with citizens on all major issues facing the nation, such as development, tribalism and political systems.

Related:

Published Nov. 28, 2011

Building a Nation: South Sudanese Share Their Thoughts on the Creation of a Successful State

ntekeei — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:33:19 +0000

Author:

Traci D. Cook

Publisher:

National Democratic Institute

Published Date:

11/23/2011

Resource Type:

Focus Group

Language:

English

Attachment	Size
Read the report	3.72 MB

NDI E-news: Democracy Day, Libya, Pakistan, African Elections | Sept. 2011

fstovall — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:15:40 +0000

Sept. 15, 2011

Happy Democracy Day!

STAY CONNECTED

CONTRIBUTE

"Independence!" A woman casts her ballot in the January referendum creating the new country of South Sudan. Photo by Susan Stigant, senior program manager.

Sept. 15 is International Day of Democracy, an annual global celebration of human rights, the rule of law and other principles that unite democracies around the world. The day was designated by the United Nations to reaffirm the universality of democratic values and recognize the aspirations of people around the world to have a say in how they are governed and make free choices about how they live their lives.

Nowhere have those aspirations been more prominent this year than in North Africa, where popular uprisings have ousted dictators in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. In Libya, the Institute has been working closely since April with the National Transitional Council (NTC) as it creates a plan for a constitution, elections, national security and the protection of civil liberties. In a country where political parties have been outlawed and maligned for 40 years, NDI is helping fledgling parties create platforms and attract supporters. Writing in the Washington Post, Les Campbell, NDI regional director for Middle East and North Africa programs, expressed optimism about the prospects of a successful transition and outlined the positive steps the council has taken already. Matyas Eörsi, resident country director in Benghazi, spoke to NPR about the high expectations — globally and in Libya — facing the country's new government.

For more than 25 years, in more than 70 countries, NDI has worked to strengthen new and emerging democracies. This Democracy Day, consider contributing to our work and support people in North Africa and around the world who want a voice in how their countries are governed.

Pakistan to Extend Political Reforms to FATA

President Asif Ali Zardari's recent decision to extend political and legal reforms to Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) is the result of a lengthy effort by political parties and other organizations to bring more democratic systems of governance to a region considered a haven for militants and religious extremists. The reforms, supported by NDI, will allow political parties to form and operate in FATA for the first time, and will amend a draconian criminal code first enacted by the British in 1848.

Ensuring Women and Young People Take Part in the Political Process

Women and youth have a significant role to play in new and emerging democracies. In Sudan, caricature art helps engage young people who feel excluded from the political process. In Burkina Faso and Iraq, women are learning the skills they need to run for office and build successful political careers. In Nicaragua, the first class of graduates to earn a certificate in leadership and political management are ready to start their political careers. And in Afghanistan, one young woman is helping others prepare for careers in government by starting an internship program that places students in provincial council offices.

Celebrate Democracy with these Upcoming Events

Save the date! NDI will hold its annual democracy dinner on Nov. 7. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will headline the event, which also includes a panel discussion on the Arab Spring. The dinner and an awards ceremony will recognize those who have spent a lifetime supporting democracy.

On Sept. 23, Alassane Ouattara, president of Côte d'Ivoire, will speak at NDI, where he will discuss his government's efforts to rebuild the country's economy and foster national reconciliation in the wake of violence following last November's election. This event is full, but will be streamed live.

Toward Better Elections in Africa

Across Africa, countries are taking steps to ensure more transparent and accountable elections. A recent referendum in Liberia was monitored by the Elections Coordinating Committee, a civil society coalition that provided a nonpartisan assessment of the process and will monitor upcoming presidential and legislative elections. In Côte d'Ivoire, which recently experienced a violent crisis in the aftermath of its November presidential election, citizen election monitors gathered to discuss their role in mitigating violence in legislative polls scheduled for later this year. And in Zambia and Mauritania, NDI fielded delegations that assessed both countries' preparedness for upcoming elections and suggested improvements.

Coming Together for Common Goals

Democracy can't solve longstanding political or cultural divisions overnight, but it can bring different groups together to discuss issues and arrive at common goals. In Bosnia, eight politicians are reaching across party and ethnic lines to tackle the country's biggest challenges together. And in Honduras, where the effects of a 2009 coup and constitutional crisis are still reverberating, a series of "democracy dialogues" is bringing people together to find common ground.

Public Opinion Research for Better Policy Platforms

Public opinion research helps political parties and governments address the issues their constituents care about most. In Iraq, people want politicians to focus on jobs, the economy, and water and power delivery. In Somalia, focus group research shows that citizens are losing faith in their transitional institutions and are looking for ways to provide ideas to move their country forward. In Belarus, citizens distrust the Lukashenko regime and blame it for current economic problems. But they remain pessimistic about the prospects for opposition parties. And in South Sudan, citizens want to end tribalism above all else, seeing themselves primarily as Southern Sudanese.

NDI's Washington Office is Moving

NDI's new office

Update your address book! As of Sept. 19, NDI's Washington, D.C., headquarters will be located at 455 Massachusetts Ave., NW, on the eighth floor. All telephone numbers will remain the same.

NDI - South Sudan

Grave Mistake to Downplay Landmark African Agreement

Taking the Long View for the Peoples of Sudan and South Sudan

Democracy Is a Fragile Thing

Democracy Is a Fragile Thing

South Sudan

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

Jonglei Citizens Critical of Lack of Basic Services | March 26, 2012

South Sudanese Want Fair and Inclusive Government, NDI Study Finds

Governing South Sudan: Opinions of South Sudanese on a Government That Can Meet Citizen Expectations

South Sudan: Juba Health Centers Get Consultancy From Bangladesh | Feb. 29, 2012

Sudanese Citizen Coalition Calls for Wide-Ranging Electoral Reforms

Responding to Citizen Concerns, MPs Work to Expand Health Care in South Sudan

South Sudanese Citizens Connect with MPs for First Time

MPs take questions during the dialogue in Bor.

NDI Focus Group Research Documents South Sudanese Views on Building a New Nation

Building a Nation: South Sudanese Share Their Thoughts on the Creation of a Successful State

NDI E-news: Democracy Day, Libya, Pakistan, African Elections | Sept. 2011

STAY CONNECTED

CONTRIBUTE

READ MORE