Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 02/2011

The Sudan Referendum and Neighbouring Countries: Egypt and Uganda

Jacob Høigilt, Åshild Falch, Øystein H. Rolandsen

January 2011

Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Centre

Abstract

The two analyses presented in the report "The Sudan Referendum and Neighbouring Countries: Egypt and Uganda" address the lack of updated research on regional politics and Sudan's relations with neighbouring countries. Together they demonstrate that the Southern Sudanese referendum symptomises a shift which is gathering momentum in the politics of the region where the influence of countries like Uganda and Ethiopia are in ascension. The prospects of a new state in the Greater Horn of Africa also add to the regional tension and Sudan continues to be regarded as a potentially destabilising element. An overall conclusion is that the neighbouring countries have a clear interest in contributing towards a peaceful transition in the Sudan, but short-sighted policies may preclude the desired outcome.