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2009 International Sudan Studies Conference: an exciting time in African history
Four days have been set aside for a Unisa-led international conference that seeks to find lasting solutions for the troubled war-torn Sudan. The International Sudan Studies Conference, under the theme "The future of Sudan to 2011 and beyond: African dimensions of peace, stability, justice and reconciliation", interrogates the future of Sudan from multi-disciplinary perspectives against the backdrop of the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
The sound of tribal drums in true African spirit resonated throughout Unisa’s Senate Hall on 25 November 2009 as delegates gathered together for the official opening of the conference. This is the 8th event in a series of high-level academic conferences previously organised by the Sudan Studies Association. However, this time around the Centre for African Renaissance Studies (CARS) at Unisa has taken a lead role in making this conference a success in our country. This is also the first of its kind to be convened on African soil outside of Sudan.
This high-level academic conference, which concludes on 28 November 2009, sees a host of top political leaders from both South Africa and Sudan. Unisa’s Prof Shadrack Gutto said the aim of the conference is to provide passage for a new process in raising awareness about the Sudan situation and pave the way for lasting peace, stability, justice and prosperity of all people in the country and the region.
"We want to look at what has happened to the CPA since its signature and where it is taking Sudan and Africa. It seeks to interrogate and inform self determination choices in the CPA as well as the entire country, including the Darfur region. The conference also positions itself within the framework of a medium and long term vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Sudan in which the rights of individuals and all communities will be guaranteed."
In his address at the conference’s Gala Dinner, former President Mr Thabo Mbeki, who has been charged with the responsibility of chairing the African Union High Level Panel on Darfur (AUPD), said those from the AUPD who continue to engage with the Sudan dossier on behalf of the AU were looking forward to studying the proceedings and outcomes of the conference because they are certain they will have to draw on the considered views to help discharge their new mandate on Sudan.
"As I studied the programme of this important conference, I took note of the fact that the conference will conclude with 'Conference resolutions and Outcomes'. I am certain that given the enormous intellectual resource that Unisa and the Centre for African Renaissance Studies have brought together at this International Sudan Studies Conference, you will not be satisfied merely to interpret the word. Rather, you will also attend to the urgent and vital task to answer the question – how should we change it, hopefully in a manner and direction that would address the fundamental interests of the people of Sudan and Africa as a whole."
During the first session of the conference, Unisa's Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Barney Pityana welcomed the delegates and verbalised his support for the conference by saying that "studies on Sudan are vital and necessary to carve out new understandings of the future of Sudan”. He added that this conference provided a platform to “bring together all the riches of scholars in one place."
Over the duration of the conference, presentations of various papers have been broken down into six pillars:
- Pillar One: The CPA: Achievements, Challenges and Threats for its Implementation
- Pillar Two: History, Culture, Identity and Human Development
- Pillar Three: Governance, Electoral Processes, Democracy and Human and People’s Rights
- Pillar Four: Issues of Statehood and Nation-Building
- Pillar Five: Dafur as Epitome of the Sudan Situation?
- Pillar Six: Regional and International Correlations and Dimensions of the Sudan Situations: Role of the African Union, the Arab League and External Factors
The opening session consisted of two lead presentations. Benaiah Yongo Bure, Kettering University USA, presented his paper entitled "CPA: from its conception to the end game". This was followed by Douglas H Johnson, International Expert on Abyei Boundaries Commission UK, who presented on the topic "Border battleline".
A book will be published in the near future containing all the conference papers after revision. | 
