On Taban Deng Gai and the South Sudanese peace process

December 15, 2016 in Arguments

With Small Arms Survey, I have a piece out about Taban Deng Gai, the Potemkin Vice-President of South Sudan; the walking zombie that is the current peace process, and the acquiescence of the "international community" (that motley bunch) to this state of affairs.

You can read it here.

Dividing Lines: Grazing and conflict along the Sudan-South Sudan border

July 18, 2013 in Arguments

I have a long--65,000 words--report on the Sudan-South Sudan border now out with Small Arms Survey. Read it here.

Guardian op-ed: Breaking the cycle of violence in Sudan

September 03, 2011 in Arguments

On 18 August, at least 600 died in Uror county, Jonglei state, as Murle raiders attacked Lou Nuer villagers, in the latest in a series of raids and tit-for-tat attacks between the two groups that have left more than 1,000 dead since February. In grisly but illuminating symmetry, the UN said that around 26,000 cattle were stolen and 26,800 people displaced in the latest series of clashes.

Op-ed in La Croix

June 18, 2011 in Arguments

I have a new op-ed on the situation in Abyei, published by La Croix. You can read it here, or below the fold.

Guardian Comment: Sudan's proxy war may escalate

April 08, 2011 in Arguments

Recent violence in Abyei has militarised the region, and has the potential to spark a wider north-south conflict in Sudan

Guardian Comment on post-referendum Sudan

March 30, 2011 in Arguments

The popular demand for southern Sudan to split from the rule of Khartoum and the north is enormous, and few now doubt the south will choose to be Africa's newest state. But tensions are intensifying along the proposed border, which runs through some of the most fertile land in the country.

Old Colonial Stereotypes

January 07, 2008 in Arguments

The headline of last Friday's editorial in the Times summed up how we see Africa. "In one shameful week, Kenya has made the journey from prospering democracy to tribal battleground."

You can take the European out of Africa...

December 13, 2006 in Arguments

When the European Council meet on December 13 in Brussels, Africa and immigration issues will undoubtedly be high on the agenda

Nuclear nightmare's: Why it's still not safe

April 24, 2006 in Arguments

Back in the 70’s, these problems led to many European countries investing in nuclear energy.Fast forward thirty years, and the playing field is very different. While some continue to argue that nuclear energy is the clean, efficient fuel that is the answer to all our problems, for most Europeans today, it is something we should leave in the past.

Media in Europe: merging the fourth estate?

April 10, 2006 in Arguments

The international media is dominated by America. In Europe, some are calling for mergers to create an alternative. But in doing so, might we not undermine our own plurality?

French workers in the shadow of the old order

March 28, 2006 in Arguments

On March 28, France will prepare itself for another round of strikes and protests against new work legislation. These protests reveal a much wider malaise in French society