In the following report IPIS will analyse the conflict dynamics in the wider border area between Sudan
and South Sudan. The analysis specifically looks into the motivations and interests of the parties involved
in the interstate, intrastate and local conflicts. The main questions this report will cover are: Where are
conflict parties focussing their efforts? Which strategic interests do they prioritise and ignore? What do
they want to achieve? And do their actions correspond to their rhetoric?
Although older events are occasionally discussed, the report specifically focuses on the period spanning
September 2012 – December 2013. The geographic areas covered include the South Sudanese states of
Western Bahr-El Ghazal, Northern Bahr-El Ghazal, Warrap, Unity and Upper Nile, and the Sudanese states
of South Kordofan, Blue Nile, and the Abyei box. A chapter is dedicated to each of these areas.
To place the above in context, a first chapter provides background information on bilateral Sudan-South
Sudan relations, and political developments within Juba and Khartoum that impact on the border
conflicts. A final chapter explains the links between the conflicts in the different states, and elaborates
on the most significant findings of the report.