Sudan at the Brink: Self-Determination and National Unity(International Humanitarian Affairs)

In this brief but comprehensive book, Francis Deng offers a creative analysis of the situation, aimed at addressing, and hopefully resolving, the complex dilemmas confronting Sudan, Africa, and the international community over the critical choice the South will make in January 2011—unity or secession. This book is a powerful statement by an individual who is deeply concerned about the plight of his people and the destiny of his country, a man who, in many ways, symbolizes the lofty aspirations for unity in which diversity is seen as a source of enrichment and not of destructive conflict, a unity of full equality among all its citizens. Sudan at the Brink is a must-read for all those concerned with developments in Sudan at this critical juncture in the history of the country. Whatever decision the Sudanese make in the January 2011 referendum, it is imperative that it be an informed choice carefully weighing the implications of secession versus unity. These profound options will likely be debated in the United Nations General Assembly. They will also be carefully considered in multiple other forums where the future of humanitarian action, peacekeeping, and development are considered.

About the Author :
Francis Mading Deng (Author) Francis Mading Deng is currently Deputy Rapporteur of South Sudan National Dialogue and Roving Ambassador. He formerly held the positions of Sudan's Ambassador to the Nordic countries, Canada, and the United States; Sudan's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; the first Permanent Representative of South Sudan to the United Nations; Human Rights Officer in the UN Secretariat; Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Internally Displaced Persons; and Special Advisor of the Secretary General for the Prevention of Genocide. He holds an LLB (honors) from Khartoum University and an LLM and JSD from Yale University. He has written or edited more than forty scholarly books on a wide variety of subjects and two novels on the crisis of identity in the Sudan. Dr. Deng has held senior positions in leading American universities and think tanks. Kevin M. Cahill (Foreword By) Kevin M. Cahill, M.D., (1936-2022) was University Professor and Director at the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs at Fordham University and the President of the Center for International Humanitarian Cooperation in New York City. He was also a Professor of Clinical Tropical Medicine and Molecular Parasitology at New York University and Director of the Tropical Disease Center at Lenox Hill Hospital. He served as the Chief Advisor on Humanitarian and Public Health Issues for three Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly and for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. His career in tropical medicine and humanitarian operations began in Calcutta in 1959; he carried out medical, relief, and epidemiological research in 70 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He wrote or edited 33 books, translated into many languages, and more than 200 articles in peer-reviewed journals on subjects ranging from public health and tropical diseases to humanitarian assistance, foreign affairs, Irish literature, and history. He held numerous Honorary Doctorates from universities around the world.

Review :
"Francis Deng and I worked intensively with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and successive governments in Khartoum for years to promote the cause of peace and unity in the Sudan. I know no other Sudanese who has devoted so much to bridging the gulf that has torn his country apart. Francis is a strong believer in unity, but one based on equality and justice for all. This book sheds important light on the challenges facing the Sudan and should be taken seriously by all concerned with the developments in the country." -- -Olusegun Obasanjo Former President of Nigeria "The title of this book spotlights the challenges confronting the Sudan. This book should act as a catalyst in the debate on these vitally important issues. It is insightful and forward-looking. I hope all Sudanese, Southern and Northern, as well as those concerned about the future of the country and people, will read this book." -- -Haile Menkerios Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Sudan "'This book is a timely reminder of Francis Deng's lifelong efforts to advance peace and cooperation among Sudanese. It provides a strong basis for dialogue on the future of Sudan and insight on how the country's most challenging questions can be answered." -- -former President Jimmy Carter Nobel Peace Laureate "I first met Francis Deng when he presented a concept paper for a meeting of all the Sudanese parties organized by the Carter Center and which I chaired. I was deeply impressed by Francis Deng's intellectual and diplomatic ability to bridge the wide gulf dividing the parties in Sudan's conflict. This book reflects that quality, which is tragically very rare in countries torn apart by conflict. hope it will be widely read and taken seriously, especially by his fellow Sudanese." -- -Bishop Desmond Tutu Nobel Peace Laureate "As an old Sudanese proverb so rightly says, a difficult path necessitates a competent guide and there could be no better guide through the complexities of the forthcoming referendum on Sudan's future than Francis Deng. With customary skill and candor, he outlines the road ahead without failing to warn of dangerous turns and treacherous shortcuts. His book is a timely comment on a situation of grave concern to Africa and the international community." -- -Kofi Annan former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Nobel Peace Laureate "Over the last several decades, Francis Deng has been one of our major sources of insight into developments in Sudan. I have always been impressed by Deng's ability to analyze the situation compassionately but objectively with a remarkable ability to see the point of view of adversaries. Deng's perspective on his country is an exceptional one that should be given serious attention by all concerned with developments in the Sudan." -- -Congressman Donald M. Payne Chairman of the House Sub-Committee on Africa "This book reflects a penetrating analysis of the problems and a refreshing optimism without which we would be defeated before we even try. I strongly recommend that this book be compulsory reading for all the stakeholders in the peace process in Sudan.' -- -Ibrahim Gambari Joint Special Representative of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operations in Darfur "Dr. Deng has written a book of extraordinary importance, one that is rich in well-documented information, gives insight beyond any prior publication, and points the way toward practical solutions." -- -Salim Ahmed Salim President of the Julius Nyerere Foundation Sudan is at a critical juncture, as the 2011 referendum in the South will determine whether the country will remain united or be partitioned. But as Francis Deng argues in this insightful and thoughtful book, unity and partition are but varying degrees of ongoing relationships which can be strengthened or weakened according to the will of the people and their leaders. Mutual interests that will endure dictate that the Sudanese parties work on developing sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation beyond the referendum and whatever its outcome. Brief as the book is, it is an eloquent expression of Francis Deng's dedication of long standing to the cause of peace and unity for his country and people. His penetrating views will undoubtedly contribute to the debate on these issues of vital importance to the destiny of Sudan and Africa. -- -President Thabo Mbeki Chairman of the African Union High Level Implementation Panel on Sudan "Dr. Deng has written a book of extraordinary importance, one that is rich in well-documented information, gives insight beyond any prior publication, and points the way toward practical solutions." -- -David A. Hamburg, M.D. President Emeritus, Carnegie Corporation of NY