Political and civil unrest have plagued Sudan for more than three quarters of its existence as an independent state since 1953. Not only has the conflict had considerable influence on the national level but also in respect to local government. Since the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) Sudan is institutionally divided into 26 states, 16 of them are under control of the Republic of Sudan to the north and 10 of them under control of the soon to be independent Government of South Sudan (GOSS). In the north there is a subdivision in districts of which there are 47, the south is divided in a total of 86 counties. In addition south Sudan’s local government structure is divided into rural, urban and industrial councils. Local government officials thus far have been appointed by central government. Recent national elections were held in 2010 followed by a referendum in 2011 in which the area under GOSS supervision opted en masse for secession from north Sudan in favor of a new independent state.
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In the light of this referendum both the north and the south prepare themselves for a restructuring of government, devolution of authorities to local governments is perceived to play an important role. Southern Sudan has already developed a Local Government Act in 2009 as part of the interim constitution of 2005. In this act, provisions are being made to allocate powers to localities in the fields of basic service delivery, security and land administration. Also the Act outlines the formation of local government councils on the village level. Most likely this Local Government Act will form the basis for local government in the new and independent South-Sudan.
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Restructuring Sudan after the 2011 referendum will provide a formidable challenge on humanitarian, political and economical levels. Further development requires the cooperation of a multitude of national and international stakeholders. Already many organizations are present in Sudan implementing humanitarian aid projects (food, sanitation, health, water, etc.), the creation of new legal frameworks and providing training and education in order to increase knowledge and operational capacities. Through individual capacity building and the emphasis central government puts on local authorities, Sudan can use local government as a firm and sustainable base for the future.
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