Pact Sudan's operations focus specifically on Southern Sudan, with programs running in all 10 states and the three Transitional Areas. Our highly qualified and experienced staff works to develop projects that are tailored to the unique Sudanese context - giving special consideration to Sudan's cultural sensitivities, environmental concerns and the current political and social conditions.

Since independence from the United Kingdom in 1956, Sudan was embroiled in two prolonged civil wars during most of the remainder of the 20th century. These conflicts were rooted in northern economic, political, and social domination of largely non-Muslim, non-Arab southern Sudanese.

The first civil war ended in 1972 but broke out again in 1983. The second war and famine-related effects resulted in more than 4 million people displaced and, according to rebel estimates, more than 2 million deaths over a period of two decades. Peace talks gained momentum in 2002-04 with the signing of several accords.

The final North/South Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), signed in January 2005, granted the southern rebels autonomy for six years. After which, a referendum for independence is scheduled to be held.

A separate conflict, which broke out in the western region of Darfur in 2003, has displaced nearly two million people and caused an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 deaths. Peacekeeping troops are struggling to stabilize the situation, which has become increasingly regional in scope, and has brought instability to eastern Chad, and Sudanese incursions into the Central African Republic.

Sudan also has faced large refugee influxes from neighboring countries, primarily Ethiopia and Chad. Armed conflict, poor transport infrastructure, and lack of government support have chronically obstructed the provision of humanitarian assistance to affected populations.

Clashes among tribes in the areas where Pact Sudan works is a constant obstacle to the success of our projects and activities. Tensions are particularly high in areas where recent returnees strain already weak housing and food supplies.  Heavy flooding periodically hits large areas of Sudan and Ethiopia during the annual rainy seasons, often postponing project implementation.