Mr. Karanja Mbugua, an analyst in ACCORD’s Peacemaking Unit, represented ACCORD at the International Sudan Studies Conference which took place at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Pretoria on 26 November 2009. The three-day conference was organised UNISA and its theme is The Future of Sudan to 2011 and Beyond: African Dimensions of the Peace, Stability, Justice and Reconciliation.
The conference covered a range of broad themes on Sudan including history and identity, human development and social factors, Sharia law and its implications on Sudan’s transformation, cultural diversity and social cohesion, government institutions and infrastructure, and the regional and international correlations and dimensions of the Sudan situation.
Mr. Mbugua was also ACCORD’s representative at a gala dinner hosted by UNISA’s Vice Chancellor on the evening of Thursday 26 November 2009 in honour of the Sudanese delegation. The guest speaker at the dinner was former South African President, H.E. Mr. Thabo Mbeki. Mr. Mbeki delivered a presentation entitled: Darfur: The Quest for Peace, Justice and Reconciliation.
The conference and the dinner provided an opportunity for ACCORD to enhance its understanding on peace and conflict issues in Sudan. The conference also presented ACCORD with an opportunity to network with Sudan experts and civil society organisations.
