Abyei — As political leaders continue to wrangle over the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, public debate increases. Citizens across Sudan are becoming more aware of the political process and increasingly discuss the significance of the upcoming census, the elections, the southern referendum, and the future of the Abyei area. In this context, more than 250 representatives of civil society groups met in a conference in Abyei last week to discuss the need for advocacy in the democratic process.

Hailing from regions across southern Sudan and the Abyei area, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states, participants had a first-hand opportunity to experience the reality of life in Abyei. They were warmly welcomed by the local authorities, who encouraged attendees to carry back home a message of peace. “When you go back to your areas please share with all the people of Sudan the information that you have learnt here about Abyei,” requested Bol Dau, the joint representative in Abyei of the Southern Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SSRRC) and the Government of National Unity’s Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC). Supported with funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), this conference was organized by Mercy Corps and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), in partnership with the National Democratic Institute (NDI).