ABSTRACT

This book deals with the conflict between Northern and Southern Sudan over the Abeyi region and other border areas. This area has historically been a model of peaceful coexistence and cooperation but since its independence it has become a point of violent confrontation. Frontiers of Unity provides an essential background to the complexities of the conflict, looking at the factors behind it and calling for the resolution of Africa’s longest running dispute.

First written in 1972, after the agreement that ended the war in Sudan, the original text has been supplemented by additions and modifications to update its relevance to the current situation in Southern Sudan. In 1983, the continuing dispute in Abyei led to the resumption of hostilities and the eventual escalation into a full-fledged armed struggle under the leadership of the SPLM/A, which continues today. Without resolving the cause of Abyei and the other border areas of the Nuba and Southern Blue Nile, no sustainable peace between the North and South is possible.

This important historical document will be of great relevance to scholars of African-Arab relations, conflict and peace studies and nation building.

part |2 pages

Part One Framing the context

chapter 1|2 pages

Updated preface, 2008

chapter 2|8 pages

Overview of the problem, 1999

chapter 3|10 pages

Original Preface, 1977, revised 2008

part |2 pages

Part Two The Ngok Dinka at the North–South Crossroads

chapter 4|4 pages

Introduction, 1977

chapter 5|8 pages

The precolonial period

chapter 6|9 pages

Anglo-Egyptian condominium

chapter 7|35 pages

Postcolonial developments

part |2 pages

Part Three Perspectives on Abyei development