From A Sudan to Another
Political and Social Restructuring Underway
Call for papers
Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), June 10-12, 2013
Summary of the project
The CEDEJ-Khartoum and the CFEE-Addis Ababa are planning to organize a roundtable conference on
the current restructuration of the two Sudans. This conference will be held in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) on
June 10-12, 2013.
The separation of the two Sudans in July 2011 created as many opportunities as it aroused difficulties
and threats, therefore opening new research fields in Social Sciences. The resumption of tensions and
confrontations between the North and the South in 2012 further complicated dialogues between
researchers and intellectuals of the two countries. Facing secession, euphoria in the South and
acceptation in the North gave way to heavy political, economic and safety challenges.
The fields of analysis regarding political and social reshuffling are many, and for a majority of them, yet
to study. The CEDEJ-Khartoum and the CFEE-Addis Ababa launched a scientific dialogue process on
Sudans in June 2012. That work aimed at giving an academic content to the debate, which official talks
often miss to address; and to convey discussions between Sudanese and South Sudanese scholars, more
necessary than ever today.
The 2012 roundtable conference addressed general questions on the restructuration of the two Sudans.
The researchers identified several topics that needed to be further explored. Hence, the CEDEJKhartoum and the CFEE-Addis Ababa chose to renew the initiative in 2013, in line with the works
underway.
Addis Ababa provides a neutral ground where academics can gather and exchange outside of official
peace talks that are held there under the auspices of the Ethiopia government and the African Union.
Description of the project
The organizers are inviting Sudanese, South Sudanese and international researchers in Social Sciences
(History, Political Science, Geography, Anthropology, Economy, etc.) to submit papers based on four
key-concepts that emerged from 2012 talks.
These four key-concepts will enable an analysis on different scales:
1. The concept of marginalization/diversity management within each country challenges conflict
prevention and resolution on an internal scale. From an economic perspective, that point will allow
researchers to broach the issues of the growing economic deterioration in Sudan, and that of the
complexities generated by the construction of a new State administration in South Sudan.
2.
The concept of compromise will enable researchers to tackle central issues such as coexistence,
collective memory or national identity, on a bilateral scale. A historical dimension can be given to the
debates: it is important to study the developments of a national historiography allowing the definition of
Sudanese and South Sudanese identities after the partition.
3.
The concept of mediation provides new perspectives on the management of the conflict on a
regional scale, and enables to analyze the influence of third countries or organizations. A geopolitical
light on that question is expected regarding the positioning of countries taking part in the events, such
as Uganda, Eritrea or Egypt. In addition, a comparative approach of the diplomacies led by the United
States, Iran, Qatar, Israel and China will be useful. Finally, United Nations missions (mostly UNAMID and
UNMISS), their functions and dysfunctions should be analyzed in the framework of the conference.
4.
The concept of frontiers questions both the border between the two countries and the divisions
within each of them. This point emphasizes the difficulties faced by Sudan and South Sudan regarding
the delineating of a border. The outline of the border lacks legitimacy and is bristled with uncertainty.
Along with the question of the delineation of the borders comes that of its management, both in terms
of resources sharing and individuals’ movements.
The organizers wish to favor academic works led by Sudanese and South Sudanese researchers together,
and to encourage international high-level academic debates and a large diffusion of the works and
conclusions of the conference. The 2013 conference aims at opening the debate to a larger panel
discussion in the perspective of publishing the conference’s proceedings.
Deadline for Proposal Submissions
The conference sessions will be held in Addis Ababa on June 10-12, 2013 (inclusive).
Submit papers abstract and/or panel proposal to the Organizing Committee by March 24, 2013 at the
latest (Dr Agnès de Geoffroy - adegeoffroy@gmail.com ; Jean-Gabriel Leturcq jeangabriel.leturcq@gmail.com)
Proposals should not exceed 500 words. Panel proposals should include a list of participants.
Participants are encouraged to fund their trip and journey to Addis Ababa. However, the organizers may
be able to subsidize some costs for a restricted number of participants depending on the available
budget. Further information will be provided after reception of the abstracts. In that perspective, please
indicate your constraints and possibilities of financial support along with your abstract submission.