John Ryle discusses Tayeb Salih on Sudan National Television
John Ryle, Director of the Rift Valley Institute, discusses Tayeb Salih on Sudan National Television, 2010.
The fate of Ngungdeng’s dang
Introduction Prophecy among the Nuer of South Sudan is a living tradition. In recent conflicts prophets have played a part both in mobilization for war and in making peace. Historically, the most celebrated of the Nuer prophets was Ngundeng Bong, whose pronouncements—preserved in songs widely known in South Sudan—are thought by many to have foretold […]
Miraya FM South Sudan Archive feature
On 15 June 2013, Miraya FM in Juba broadcast a feature on the process of digitizing documents for the South Sudan National Archives. The project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, RVI, UNESCO, UNOPS and the Government of Norway. ‘The documents are important,’ the report says, ‘as they will form part of […]
Sudan’s Bashir unveils new cabinet
Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir has unveiled a partially new cabinet, replacing two vice presidents in a move prompted by urgent calls for reform in his 24-year-old regime. The changes, announced on Sunday, come less than a week after leading ruling party dissident Ghazi Salahuddin Atabani said he had launched a new "Reform" party relying on […]
Debate Continues Over Uganda Army Role in South Sudan Conflict
Speakers at a Nairobi forum sponsored by the Rift Valley Institute expressed concern for the future of South Sudan following a ceasefire agreement brokered in Addis Ababa late last week. Participants also raised issues concerning the presence of Ugandan forces in the conflict. The negotiations were held by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the […]
Sudan Appointment of Veteran Ally Seen Checking Islamist Dissent
Sudanese President Umar al-Bashir’s appointment as vice president of a former military officer who helped him seize power a quarter-century ago strengthens the country’s army against Islamists who may threaten his rule, according to Magdi El Gizouli at the Rift Valley Institute. The choice of Bakri Hassan Saleh, a lieutenant general who participated in the […]
Abuses lead to calls for accountability in South Sudan
JUBA, 21 January 2014 (IRIN) – The UN warned this month that acts committed by both sides in the South Sudan crisis could amount to crimes against humanity, and urged parties engaged in peace talks to establish mechanisms to ensure accountability for the violence. "What I saw was a horror,” said Ivan Šimonovic, UN Assistant […]
Can diplomacy help South Sudan?
'South Sudan can still be a successful country, but it requires leadership that is prepared to do that and so, on both sides of the current dispute between Riek Machar and Salva Kiir, both sides need to find it within themselves to remember what it is to have a South Sudanese nation and what South […]
South Sudan Puts Down ‘Attempted Coup’
The president of South Sudan said his guards fended off renegade soldiers who were attempting to overthrow the government, a clash that exposes the oil-rich nation's fragmented and fragile political situation. Dressed in military fatigues, President Salva Kiir told reporters in the capital city of Juba on Monday that his forces were in control following […]
High Stakes for Sudan in the South’s Conflict
KHARTOUM, Sudan — The United States has demanded negotiations. Uganda has threatened to intervene. China has called for an immediate cease-fire. The conflict in South Sudan has attracted attention from around the world, but nowhere are leaders watching the crisis with more interest — and more at stake — than here in the country’s longstanding […]