Sudan

Abstract

Nohn argues that controversies and debates concerning history have always been closely related to the question of national identity in Sudan. While northern Sudanese intellectuals underscored the strong cultural and historical links with the Arab world, the history of the country’s southern regions, and peripheral regions such as Darfur, was neglected by national historiography. This backdrop is examined against debates following South Sudan’s declaration of independence in 2011. While ‘unity with diversity’ has been a slogan of Sudanese political discourse since the signing of the ‘Comprehensive Peace Agreement’, voices from southern Sudan demonstrate the depth to which feelings of mistrust and anger towards the north have taken root in the collective memory. The reconciliation is, and remains, an ongoing process.