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Sudan
In Southern Sudan, MS ActionAid Denmark supports the building of local democracy by empowering poor people. Among others, we support local media, resource centres and civic education and we develop information materials about democracy and human rights.
Supporting democracy after two decades of civil war
“Many people in Southern Sudan do not know about the coming elections and that is really a big problem. We tell people about the elections and we try to convince them that they have to vote and that they have to decide on which candidate will be the best representative for them.”
Noel Kaiga Joseph, chairman, CEFORD
In two decades of civil war, Southern Sudan was isolated from the rest of the world and only few had access to information and education. As a result, many people in Southern Sudan are ignorant of concepts like governance, human rights and democracy despite the fact that they are of vital importance for the future – especially as Southern Sudan is preparing for two decisive democratic events.
In April 2010, the Southern Sudanese people are expected to participate in their first election for more than 20 years and in January 2011, a referendum in Southern Sudan will determine whether Sudan will remain one country or split in two. In order for these events to have a peaceful outcome, the people and leaders of Southern Sudan must be aware of and respect the rules of democracy.
Our work
MS ActionAid Denmark collaborates with organisations in Southern Sudan who support the strengthening of local democracy by making people and their leaders aware of their democratic rights and duties. The goal is to give people of Southern Sudan the opportunity to be heard and get influence and in that way, gain control of their own lives.
CEFORD, Community Education Focused on Resolving Disputes, is one of our local partners. It is a group of young volunteers who perform forum theatre in schools and communities. In forum theatre, problems and conflicts familiar to the audience are introduced and the audience is involved in creating solutions.
Activities
- MS supports local libraries and resource centres.- MS develops information materials about democracy in Southern Sudan.
- MS supports an independent local newspaper.
Learn more
Read more about our work in Southern SudanDocuments
Working in a fragile state
With the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, an opportunity for the people of Southern Sudan to gain more influence on their own lives was created. However, more than four years down the line it is still difficult for the people of Southern Sudan to see and feel how the peace has improved their lives.
Election 2010
In 2010, Southern Sudan will carry out the country's first general election in more than 20 years.
Referendum 2011
In 2011, the population of Southern Sudan will decide whether Sudan is to remain as one or become two independent countries.
Civil society in Southern Sudan
Southern Sudan does not have a tradition of strong civil society engagement but the number of civil society organisations are growing and they have a potential to play a crucial role in democratic transformation in the region.
Illiteracy
The level of education in Southern Sudan is low and the illiteracy is high. In addition, the Southern Sudanese do not have a common language.
Community Education Resource Centre (CERC) is a non-governmental and non-profit making community based initiative undertaken in early 2000 after a needs assessment conducted by the community and students from Denmark. The centre was established with the vision of achieving a well-informed, progressive and independent community. Its mission is to enhance community access to information.
CEP is a community based organisation established in 2005 in Loka Boma in Lainya County.
Equatoria Women Association (EWA) was formed in 2003 at a conference attended by about 300 women representatives from Western, Central and Eastern Equatoria States. EWA is an indigenous non-governmental and non-profit making association. The mission of EWA is to “empower the members of EWA to play a central role in governance and development through mobilisation of women to work under one umbrella”.
Gire Farmers’ Development Association (GFDA) is a non-profit and non-governmental indigenous organisation of the peasant farmers’ community of Ombasi. GFDA was founded 28 February 2005 as an umbrella community based organisation as an attempt to overcome poverty and diseases in the area. Hence, GFDA’s mission is to increase productivity and raise economic growth of the farmers of Ombasi fostering self-reliance through good planning, hard work and better management systems.
Kajo-Keji Resource Centre is a non-governmental and non-profit making initiative taken after a need assessment conducted by the community and students from Denmark. The centre was established with the vision of a community of resourceful and informed individuals in the society. Its mission is to engage in building local democracy through participatory approaches.
MS Sudan
Hai Leben, plot 148, block 11
Yei Town
Central Equatoria
Southern Sudan
Postal address: MS Sudan, P.O. Box 6331, Kampala, Uganda
Phone: +256 477 142 006 (mobile)
Phone: +249 957 142 006 (mobile)
Phone: +882 165 553 0807 (satellite)
Skype phone: +45 6574 2008
Skype ID: MS-Sudan
Email: co@mssudan.dk
web: www.ms.dk/sudan
COUNTRY OFFICE STAFF
Ale Alex
Accountant
Phone: +256 477 113 583/+249 957 113 583
Email: aa@mssudan.dk
Anenocan Betty
Logistics officer
Phone: +256 477 121 552/+249 955 053 896
Email: ab@mssudan.dk
Christine Tiyo Wani
Administrative officer
Phone: +256 477 102 011
Email: ctw@mssudan.dk
Don Bosco Malish
Programme officer
Phone: +256 477 100 912/+249 919 788 582/+249 957 100 912
Email: dbm@mssudan.dk
Lars Anderskouv
Director
Phone: +256 477 199 822
Email: la@mssudan.dk
DEVELOPMENT WORKERS
Camilla Ankerstjerne
Training advisor
Phone: +256 477 208 545/+249 924 250 879/+249 957 208 545
Email: ca@mssudan.dk
Janne Bruvoll
Information officer
Phone: +256 477 208 546/+249 909 284 596/+249 957 208 546
Email: info@mssudan.dk
Peter Tholstrup
Democracy & advocacy advisor
Phone: +256 477 199 820/+249 955 219 207
Email: pt@mssudan.dk
