South Sudan referendum and South Africa’s role in taking the process forward

AISA in collaboration with DIRCO, the Policy Research and Analysis Unit (PRAU) and the Institute for Global Dialogue (IGD) hosted a discussion forum on the outcomes of the Sudan referendum entitled, The outcome of the South Sudan referendum and South Africa’s role in taking the process forward. The South African Government welcomed the announcement of the South Sudan referendum and President Jacob Zuma stated that South Africa stands ready to recognise and welcome the new state of South Sudan to the community of nations in July 2011. South Africa will foster relations with the people of South Sudan and continue to strengthen existing relations with North Sudan. The AISA/PRAU/IGD discussion forum explored policy options for South Africa, particularly through its role in the AU, in ensuring that the successful referendum delivers a peaceful transition to a viable independent State of South Sudan.