The creation of the world's newest state will have an impact not just within East Africa, as South Sudan forges new relationships with its regional neighbours, but also for the wider international community.

On 9 July South Sudan became the world's newest state. The country faces steep challenges as it establishes itself as an independent entity - settling the outstanding issues of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, recovering from decades of war with Khartoum and tackling a long history of underdevelopment will all take time.

The Africa Programme has held high-profile events and published reports and articles on Sudan for a number of years. Some of these resources are gathered here.

The Africa Programme will be analysing the prospects for Sudan - both the North and South - following the South's independence. 

Resources

South Sudan: Labour Pains
Roger Middleton, The World Today, August 2011 

Black Gold for Blue Gold? Sudan's Oil, Ethiopia's Water and Regional Integration
Briefing Paper, Harry Verhoeven, June 2011

Energy links are at the core of a changing relationship between Sudan and Ethiopia. But natural resources could help build peace or lead to tension, says this paper.

Current Developments in Sudan
Transcript, HE Ali Karti, Foreign Minister of Sudan, June 2011

Minister Karti discussed recent developments in Darfur and the plans of the government in Khartoum as the South's secession draws closer.

The Conclusion of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement: US Perspectives and Policy Goals in Sudan
Transcript and Meeting Recording, Ambassador Johnnie Carson, US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, March 2011

Assistant Secretary Carson provided an overview of US policy goals in Sudan for the final months of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, transition to Southern independence and beyond.

South Sudan's Declaration of Independence: Hurdles Before 9 July 2011
Meeting Summary, Dr Mustapha Osman Ismael, Special Advisor to President Bashir, March 2011

Dr Ismael presented his view of what needed to take place if the CPA is to be successfully concluded, and answered questions on the Sudanese Government's intentions regarding an independent South Sudan.

Waging Peace in Independent Southern Sudan: the Way Forward
Transcript, Major General Moses Bisong Obi, Force Commander, UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), March 2011

Major General Obi detailed the measures in place to ensure a peaceful transition after the South's secession, and analysed the wider impacts of independence in South Sudan for regional security.

A New State? Southern Sudan's Referendum
Roger Middleton, Expert Comment + Video, January 2011

Roger Middleton writes that the arrival of a new state will present enormous challenges to Sudan, North and South, its neighbours and the wider international community, but it could also help cement the peace of the last six years. Plus, in a video he comments on the expectations of North and South Sudan.

Beyond Southern Sudan
Mark Naftalin, The World Today, January 2011

This article suggests that with all eyes on southern Sudan, attention must also be given to current and future events occupying Sudan's western neighbours.

Sudan: Approaching the Referendum
HE Dr Luka Tombekana Monoja, Minister of Health, Government of Southern Sudan, Meeting Summary, December 2010

Dr Luka Monoja spoke frankly about the problems facing Sudan and the dangers surrounding the referendum, but he expressed his belief that these problems could be overcome.

Sudan's Referendum: Prickly Interdependence
Edward Thomas, The World Today, December 2010

Edward Thomas explores the challenges facing Sudan, North and South, following the likely split and writes that still economically interdependent, the two may not be able to afford more war.

A New Strategy for Darfur
Dr Ghazi Salahuddin Atabani, Advisor to the President of The Republic of Sudan, Meeting Summary, October 2010

One of the key advisors to President Bashir and a central figure in the ruling National Congress Party, Dr Ghazi Salahuddin discussed the government's new approach to Darfur. He expanded on the effect of the Southern referendum on the prospects for peace in Darfur.

Sudan - Elections and Beyond
Martin Plaut, The World Today, April 2010

In April 2010 Sudan held its first multi-party election for almost a quarter of a century. With the referendum looming even more was at stake and in this article Martin Plaut explores the complex background to the vote and threat of violence.

Decisions and Deadlines: A Critical Year for Sudan
Edward Thomas, Chatham House Report, January 2010

In this major report Dr Edward Thomas points to the dangers of delaying the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and argues for urgent attention to be paid to the post referendum arrangements.