The Centre for the Study of Civil War at PRIO organized a seminar on the achievements and challenges of the Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). The seminar attracted an audience of more than 60 people, and included presentations by Hilde Frafjord Johnson, Robert O. Collins and Leif Manger. The seminar was chaired by Endre Stiansen.
The Sudan's CPA: Achievements and Challenges
The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that the Government of Sudan and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement signed on the 9th January is a watershed in the history of the Sudan.
Some hail it as a major achievement that marks the beginning of a new era for the Sudan. Others criticise it for being anything but comprehensive since major political players were left out of the negotiations and war continues to ravage parts of the country.
After the conclusion of the pre-interim period, and after the formation of the Government of National Unity, it is appropriate both to assess the achievements of the CPA and address the challenges that persists.
Presentations by
Ms. Hilde Frafjord Johnson, (former) Minster of International Development. Not least as Co-Chair of the IGAD Partners Forum, Ms. Johnson followed the negotiations very closely, gained international recognition for her tireless efforts to promote peace in the Sudan. Ms. Johnson has been Member of Parliament and served as minister in two Norwegian governments.
Professor Robert O. Collins, University of California, Santa Barbara. Professor Collins is the leading historian of the Southern Sudan, having written a large number of books that deal with the history, politics, and ecology of the region. His career as a Sudanist spans the entire independence period (1956-).
Professor Leif Manger, University of Bergen. A social anthropologist, Professor Manger has extensive field work experience from the different places in the Sudan including the Red Sea Hills, the Nuba Mountains and Kordofan. He has published works on agro-pastoralism, processes of Islamisation and socio-economic development. The seminar is open to the public. Questions and Comments from the floor will be encouraged.
