A prisoner’s right to vote
The man was tall with a pearly white smile, dressed in reasonably clean, blue track pants and an off-white t-shirt. He was awaiting trial for murder, yet nothing about his face told a story of crime. He was in shackles, the huge chain cuffed onto his right wrist stretching down to his right ankle…
Counting of ballots begins
16 January 2011 – Counting of ballot papers for Southern Sudan's self-determination referendum began across the country immediately after balloting closed yesterdayevening. African observer missions commended the national commission for the conduct of the referendum, which was prescribed by the 2005…
UN panel: Southern referendum an expression of people’s will
16 January 2011 - The UN panel monitoring the Southern Sudan self-determination referendum expressed today its satisfaction that the process had allowed the people of the region to freely express their will. Welcoming yesterday's conclusion of referendum polling, the UN Secretary-General's Panel on…
16 Jan.- UNMIS welcoms Dinka Ngok-Missiriya agreements
The United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) welcomes the agreements reached on 13 January between the traditional leaders of the Dinka Ngok and the Missirya, assisted by key Government leaders, which are crucial to ensure a peaceful coexistence of Missiriya pastoralists and their herds in the Abyei…
Referendum broadly meets international standards
17 January 2011 – Disclosing findings about Sudan's referendum today, two days after polling closed, international and national observer missions indicated a largely free and fair process. However, the missions' preliminary statements also noted shortcomings, including insufficient voter education…
18 Jan.- UNMIS welcomes the agreement between the (GoS) and the (GoSS) on security arrangements
The United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) welcomes the agreement concluded on January 17 in Kadugli, Southern Kordofan State, between the delegations from Government of Sudan (GoS) and Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS), led by Ministers of Interior Ibrahim Mohamed Hamid (GoS) and Gier Chuang…
High-level meeting agrees on Abyei security
17 January 2011 – Top government officials meeting today in Kadugli, Southern Kordofan State, agreed on several security-related actions in the Abyei area, including military deployment and protection of returnees passing through. Hosted by the state governor, Ahmed Haroun, the five-hour, closed…
Popular Consultations: Development lacking in Blue Nile
As people speak their minds in public forums about implementation of Sudan's peace accord in Blue Nile State, the majority agree that it ended the war but has failed to satisfy their needs. As the "popular consultation" process required by the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement enters day seven…
18 Jan. - Statement to the UN Security Council by UNMIS SRSG, Haile Menkerios
Mr President, Your Excellencies Members of the Council, Ladies and Gentlemen, Last week's peaceful conclusion of polling for the Southern Sudan referendum marked a historic milestone in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. This is a testament of the commitment of two Parties to…
Southern Sudanese go to the polls
Jackson Joshua Jada walked up to a polling centre in the Kator district of Juba at 1 a.m. on 9 January to ensure he would be its first voter in Southern Sudan's long-awaited referendum on self-determination. The moment was a long time coming for Mr. Jada, who lost his father, brothers and other…
Domestic observers pronounce referendum free and fair
20 January 2011 - The Southern Sudan self-determination referendum allowed people to freely and fairly express their will in a credible process, although there were important shortcomings, according to domestic observers to the poll. Speaking at a press conference today in Juba, the Sudanese Network…
Upper Nile State voters endorse separation
20 January 2011 – Preliminary results issued by the Upper Nile State Referendum High Committee today showed that over 99 per cent of ballots cast favored the separation of Southern Sudan from the rest of the country. Speaking at a press conference held in the high committee's offices in Malakal, the…