Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 04/2010

Why is violence escalating in Southern Sudan?

Øystein H. Rolandsen

February 2010

Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Centre

Abstract

Despite the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement 9 January 2005, which formally ended the 22-year civil war in Southern Sudan, the frequency and severity of local conflicts increased during 2009. These conflicts are threatening the stability of the South, and ultimately the peace process itself. Widespread insecurity will also make it difficult to hold the planned national elections in April and the 2011 referendum on secession.