The significance of state elections and the popular consultations for peace in Sudan

Analysing the failure to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement protocols in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States

Right from the beginning of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) negotiations which formally ended the civil war in Sudan, the so-called ‘three areas’ comprising of Blue Nile, Southern Kordofan and Abyei have been amongst the most contentious challenges in the process.

But while Abyei still benefits from international and regional attention, it is disquieting to see a corresponding lack of engagement on the CPA dynamics in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States – which has wider implications for the North.

This briefing looks at the possible impact of the forthcoming elections and popular consultations on security in the ‘three areas’ and then makes recommendations for how regional and international third parties, with a stake in the success of the CPA, can support these processes and contribute to long term peace in the Sudan.