MS builds democracy in Sudan
MS receives grant of 7.6 millions DKK from Danida after 20 years of civil war has ended in Southern Sudan
20. July 2005Danish Association for International Co-operation (MS) will engage actively in building the democratic structures and strengthen the civil participation in Southern Sudan. This will be realised through a grant of 7.6 millions DKK during the next six years from Danida's (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark) fund for initiatives in neighbour countries as MS is working in Uganda already.
Earlier this year a peace agreement was settled between the Sudanese government and the liberation movement SPLM (Sudan People’s Liberation Movement).
No experience with democracy
"It is important to start building bridges after a damaging conflict. The peace agreement is a necessary tool, but an enduring peace in the Southern Sudan requires, that disagreements are resolved by compromises. It will be a huge challenge in a society, where military power has been the rule of the day for millions of people", says Secretary General Lars Udsholt, who stresses the need to start now before dissatisfaction and disagreements show up again.
From July 2005-June 2008 MS will create awareness of the peace agreement in the area and develop an understanding for the democratic values and principles, crucial for the rebuilding of Southern Sudan. The majority of the Southern Sudanese people, including refugees close to the Northern Uganda, have no experience with living in a democratic society based on the rule of law.
MS targets opinion leaders
The target groups of the project are opinion leaders and others, who take part in creating change in selected districts in the Southern Sudan and in refugee camps in the Northern Uganda: teachers at ground schools and schools for young people, traditional leaders, chosen and religious leaders, as well as leaders of local organisations and administrative staff.
Focus will be on: 1) Securing relevant and updated information about the peace agreement, on democracy and human rights, good governance, methods of conflict resolution, 2) Creating an open and engaged debate on the above mentioned subjects, 3) Involving Southern Sudanese people in the processes about repatriation, rebuilding and democracy.
MS stays till 2010
MS will stay in Sudan two years after the project has finished and cooperate with local partners, where after local authorities and schools will take over gradually.
MS's activities will be controlled by the office in Uganda, which cooperates with local partners, who works with Sudanese refugees in the Northern Uganda. Besides MS Uganda cooperates with local based organisations in the Southern Sudan and has a broad net of contacts to local authorities and organisations in this area.
