“Sudan’s fragile Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) is entering its final phase, and a critical vote on Southern
self-determination looms, but foundations for a constructive post-referendum relationship are yet to be laid. In
addition to a handful of outstanding CPA items, future arrangements on citizenship and nationality, natural resource
management (oil and water), currency, assets and
liabilities, security and international treaties must be negotiated,
regardless of the referendum’s outcome. Many
in Sudan and abroad are focused on ensuring the referendum
exercise takes place on 9 January as planned. But
simultaneously pursuing agreement on the broader post-referendum agenda is not only critical for a peaceful transition and long-term regional stability, but may also serve the more immediate objective of clearing the path for a mutually accepted referendum.”
