Event – Sudan and South Sudan’s unfinished business: Abyei and Southern Kordofan

The arrival of the Ethiopian peacekeeping force in Sudan has again focused attention on the disputed region of Abyei. The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in the South ended decades of civil war. But the CPA Interim Period came to an end when the Republic of South Sudan became the world’s newest nation on July 9th, leaving some of the most difficult problems unresolved. Decisions on the Three Areas – the border areas of Abyei, Southern Kordofan and the Blue Nile State – were deferred leaving critical matters of citizenship and security unresolved. This event brings together Dr Luka Biong Deng and His Excellency, Abdullahi Alazreg to discuss their different perspectives on the issues relating to the disputed areas, with His Excellency, Ambassador Norbert Braakhuis, reflecting and commenting on key issues raised. Speakers: Dr Luka Biong Deng – former Minister of Cabinet affairs in the Government of National Unity in Sudan, resigning in May 2011 over the issue of Abyei. He also played a key political and diplomatic role in the negotiation of the CPA provisions related to the disputed areas. HE, Abdullahi Alazreg – Ambassador of Sudan to the UK. Mr Abdullahi Alazreg joined the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1990 and has served in Saudi Arabia, Kenya, the US, Switzerland and China. Discussant: HE, Norbert Braakhuis – The Netherlands’ Ambassador to Sudan since 2009, when he also assumed the role of Coordinator of the Three Areas Working Group of the Assessment and Evaluations Commission. Since 1981, when he joined the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Braakhuis has also served in Senegal, Kenya and Cameroun as well a wide range of senior diplomatic roles within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands. Chair: Wendy Fenton – Humanitarian Practice Network Coordinator Refreshments will be served from 16.00