1 June 2012, Brussels.

During this lecture, Dr Ghazi Salahuddin Atabani, Advisor to the President of the Republic of the Sudan, explored the different challenges and opportunities of the Republic of Sudan since the secession of South Sudan in July 2011: ”From outside, Sudan has a notorious image and its problems appear irresolvable. Yet, the difficulties and challenges facing Sudan are only matched by the opportunities available to it. The geography, the resources –both natural and human, the political experience, and the cultural affinities that bind Sudan to many of its neighbours all combine to give Sudan a lead role in the region and Africa in general. There is a deep-seated conviction among the Sudanese elite that it is precisely for this reason that Sudan has been demonized by some superpowers and denied its rightful place. Regardless of the validity of such claim, Sudan has a role to play in Africa.”

Chair:
Ambassador Marc Trenteseau, Director General of the Egmont Institute

Introduction:
Mr Jort Hemmer, Research fellow at the Clingendael Institute’s Conflict Research Unit

Keynote speaker:
Dr. Ghazi Salahuddin Atabani, Advisor to the President of the Republic of the Sudan