The referendum in Sudan took place January 9-15, 2011 to decide whether the southern Sudan region would remain a part of Sudan or become an independent country. The referendum was one of the consequences of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Khartoum central government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M).
As a product of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement between Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M), Sudan conducted a national referendum on January 9-11, 2011 to decide the status of southern Sudan. The referendum witnessed high turnout and an ultimate decision for southern Sudan to gain independence, with nearly 99% voting for this outcome.
USIP closely followed the referendum, both in advance of the event and in assessing its outcome. Despite some dire predictions, Sudan’s recent referendum was remarkably peaceful, with the notable exception of violence around the disputed Abyei area. Remaining obstacles included the resolution of the status of Abyei and negotiations over post-referendum arrangements, such as sharing of oil revenue and debt. The peaceful referendum process was a credit to the citizens and voters of Sudan and their leaders. On Febrauary 7, 2011, President Omar Bashir accepted southern Sudan's vote for independence.
On the Issues
USIP Sudan experts explain the the referendums, their outcomes, and prospects for peace.
- Sudan's Referendum: USIP expert Jacki Wilson explains the origins of the referendum and the steps taken to prepare for it.
- Independent Southern Sudan and How the Two Sudans Become Stable Nations Dr. Jok Madut Jok, a USIP Jennings Randolph Fellow and Undersecretary in the Government of Southern Sudan's Ministry of Culture and Heritage, explores challenges in the aftermath of the referendum and steps to promote a peaceful transition to an independent South Sudan.
- Sudan's Referendum, Preliminary Results: USIP expert Jon Temin assesses the initial results of the referendum.
- Sudan's Referendum Results: USIP's Jon Temin discusses how violence could be a factor in Sudan's final referendum results.
Watch Videos
USIP Sudan experts discuss the referendums, the popular consultation process, what to look for after the polling is complete, and more.
- Jon Temin on the southern and Abyei referendums, and what to look for after the polling is complete
- Linda Bishai on North-South relations, her recent trip to Abyei, and civic education in Sudan
- Jason Gluck on the importance of the popular consultation process in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan states
- Andrew Blum on USIP's Priority Grant Program for Sudan
Events on the Referendum
- Salva Kiir on the Road Ahead in Sudan | September 20, 2010
- Previewing Sudan's January Referendums | December 14, 2010
- Behind the Scenes of Sudan's Referendum | April 28, 2011