The separation of the two Sudans in July 2011 created as many opportunities as it aroused difficulties and threats, therefore opening new research fields in Social Sciences. The themes of analysis regarding political and social reshuffling are many, and for a majority of them, yet to study. The CEDEJ-Khartoum and the CFEE-Addis Ababa are willing to give an academic content to the debate, which official talks often miss to address; and to convey discussions between Sudanese and South Sudanese scholars, as well as international specialists of the region.

Presentation

The CEDEJ-Khartoum and the CFEE-Addis Ababa are planning to organize a roundtable conference on the current restructuration of the two Sudans. This conference will be held in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) on June 10-12, 2013.

The separation of the two Sudans in July 2011 created as many opportunities as it aroused difficulties and threats, therefore opening new research fields in Social Sciences. The resumption of tensions and confrontations between the North and the South in 2012 further complicated dialogues between researchers and intellectuals of the two countries. Facing secession, euphoria in the South and acceptation in the North gave way to heavy political, economic and safety challenges.

The fields of analysis regarding political and social reshuffling are many, and for a majority of them, yet to study. The CEDEJ-Khartoum and the CFEE-Addis Ababa launched a scientific dialogue process on Sudans in June 2012. That work aimed at giving an academic content to the debate, which official talks often miss to address; and to convey discussions between Sudanese and South Sudanese scholars, more necessary than ever today.

The 2012 roundtable conference addressed general questions on the restructuration of the two Sudans. The researchers identified several topics that needed to be further explored. Hence, the CEDEJ-Khartoum and the CFEE-Addis Ababa chose to renew the initiative in 2013, in line with the works underway.

Addis Ababa provides a neutral ground where academics can gather and exchange outside of official peace talks that are held there under the auspices of the Ethiopia government and the African Union.

Argument

The organizers are inviting Sudanese, South Sudanese and international researchers in Social Sciences (History, Political Science, Geography, Anthropology, Economy, etc.) to submit papers based on four key-concepts that emerged from 2012 talks.

These four key-concepts will enable an analysis on different scales:

1.The concept of marginalization/diversity management within each country challenges conflict prevention and resolution on an internal scale. From an economic perspective, that point will allow researchers to broach the issues of the growing economic deterioration in Sudan, and that of the complexities generated by the construction of a new State administration in South Sudan.

2. The concept of compromise will enable researchers to tackle central issues such as coexistence, collective memory or national identity, on a bilateral scale. A historical dimension can be given to the debates: it is important to study the developments of a national historiography allowing the definition of Sudanese and South Sudanese identities after the partition.

3. The concept of mediation provides new perspectives on the management of the conflict on a regional scale, and enables to analyze the influence of third countries or organizations. A geopolitical light on that question is expected regarding the positioning of countries taking part in the events, such as Uganda, Eritrea or Egypt. In addition, a comparative approach of the diplomacies led by the United States, Iran, Qatar, Israel and China will be useful. Finally, United Nations missions (mostly UNAMID and UNMISS), their functions and dysfunctions should be analyzed in the framework of the conference.  

4. The concept of frontiers questions both the border between the two countries and the divisions within each of them. This point emphasizes the difficulties faced by Sudan and South Sudan regarding the delineating of a border. The outline of the border lacks legitimacy and is bristled with uncertainty. Along with the question of the delineation of the borders comes that of its management, both in terms of resources sharing and individuals’ movements.

Submission guidelines

The organizers wish to favor academic works led by Sudanese and South Sudanese researchers together, and to encourage international high-level academic debates and a large diffusion of the works and conclusions of the conference. The 2013 conference aims at opening the debate to a larger panel discussion in the perspective of publishing the conference’s proceedings.

Submit papers abstract and/or panel proposal to the Organizing Committee (Dr Agnès de Geoffroy - adegeoffroy@gmail.com ; Jean-Gabriel Leturcq - jeangabriel.leturcq@gmail.com)

by March 24, 2013 at the latest.

Proposals should not exceed 500 words. Panel proposals should include a list of participants.

Participants are encouraged to fund their trip and journey to Addis Ababa.

However, the organizers may be able to subsidize some costs for a restricted number of participants depending on the available budget.

Further information will be provided after reception of the abstracts. In that perspective, please indicate your constraints and possibilities of financial support along with your abstract submission.

The conference sessions will be held in Addis Ababa on June 10-12, 2013 (inclusive).

Scientific board

• Munzoul ASSAL, Deputy Director of the Peace Research  Institute – University of Khartoum (Sudan)
• Jean-François BRETON, Director of the CFEE (Ethiopia)
• Agnès de GEOFFROY, Coordinator of the CEDEJ/Khartoum (Sudan)
• Leben MORO, Director of the International Relations, University of Juba (South Sudan)
• Gunnar SORBO, senior researcher, Chr. Michelsen Institute (Norway)