For Immediate Release, July 6, 2011
Contact: Allison Sturma, 202-429-4725

(Washington) – Experts from the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) are available for comment and analysis as the independence of South Sudan approaches this Saturday, July 9.

Since 2005, USIP experts have focused on helping to build peace and stability in Sudan, working through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State, nongovernmental organizations in Sudan, and key stakeholders. USIP’s programs focus on resolving border issues, preventing electoral and referendum violence, and promoting the rule of law.

In addition to the experts available for comment listed below, USIP will be closely following the situation online – visit USIP's "Eye on the two Sudans."

Jon Temin, director of Sudan program
Temin is responsible for coordinating all of the Institute's work in Sudan and travels often to the region. He is available for comment on political dynamics in the North and South; ongoing violence; and future prospects in the region.

Cell: 202-257-3387
Office: 202-429-4726
E-mail: jtemin@usip.org

Linda Bishai, senior program officer
Bishai focuses on secondary and university education in conflict resolution, human rights and peace studies and is responsible for developing faculty and teacher workshops in Sudan. She served as an oberserver for the April 2010 elections in the North and for the January 2011 referendum on independence. She is available for comment on North-South relations, Abyei, and the referendum processes for South Sudan

Cell: 202-375-4354
Office:202-429-4712
E-mail: lbishai@usip.org

Jacki Wilson, senior program officer
Wilson focuses on applying conflict resolution skills and techniques to local problems and building sustainable peace agreements. She leads an ongoing cross-border grazing project in Sudan. She served as an observer for the April 2010 election in the South. Wilson is available for comment on North-South border issues including Abyei; the Darfur peace process; and crafting sustainable peace agreements.

Cell: 202-251-9178
Office: 202-429-3823
E-mail: jwilson@usip.org

Andrew Blum, program officer
Blum oversees the Sudan North-South Border Initiative, a USIP priority grant program. Blum is available for comment on North-South border issues and civil society in South Sudan.

Cell: 202-257-3729
Office: 202-429-3887
E-mail: ablum@usip.org

Additional Resources

• "Toward a new Republic of Sudan" USIP Special Report
  This June 2011 report originates from a view shared by the authors that the myriad challenges facing the future Republic of Sudan require a more comprehensive and holistic approach, to be adopted by both Sudanese and the international community.
• Building Local Conflict Management Capacity in the “Three Areas”
  Learn more about USIP's work in the Three Areas of Sudan – Abyei, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile – which has focused on alleviating the suffering conflict generates by building the capacity of local community actors to resolve their conflicts more effectively.
• Popular Consultation in Sudan
  Learn more about USIP's support of the popular consultation process in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan. As mandated by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, this process enables these two states, which remain with the north, to renegotiate political, administrative and constitutional arrangements with the central government.
• Preventing Electoral and Referendum Violence
  Learn more about USIP's workshops to prevent violence around elections in 2009 and the referendum for southern independence

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The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) provides the analysis, training and tools to help to prevent, manage and end violent international conflicts, promote stability and professionalize the field of peacebuilding. Learn more at www.usip.org.