
The Sudans
Africa's Search for Peace, Democracy, and Two Viable States
Cornell University Press
Published on 15. May 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
540 pages
978-1-5017-8658-7 (ISBN)
Description
The Sudans tells the story of the African Union's efforts to make peace in the Sudans during the years 2009 to 2013. It details the work of the AU High-Level Panel, led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, to resolve the war in Darfur, promote democracy in Sudan, steer the independence of South Sudan, and make peace between Sudan and South Sudan. It was Africa's most ambitious peace-making effort.
Meticulously documenting every step, Alex de Waal and Willow Berridge show how Mbeki's team handled disputes over borders, resources, and citizenship, and channeled fractious international actors into a consensus. They document the panel's consultative, people-focused strategy in Darfur and its patient, unflagging mediation between north and south. Ultimately, however, the leaders of Sudan and South Sudan squandered opportunities to establish two viable, mutually supporting states, setting both countries on the path toward calamity.
Authoritative and clear-eyed, The Sudans pulls back the curtain on this pioneering effort, demonstrating the potential of African-led peacemaking.
Meticulously documenting every step, Alex de Waal and Willow Berridge show how Mbeki's team handled disputes over borders, resources, and citizenship, and channeled fractious international actors into a consensus. They document the panel's consultative, people-focused strategy in Darfur and its patient, unflagging mediation between north and south. Ultimately, however, the leaders of Sudan and South Sudan squandered opportunities to establish two viable, mutually supporting states, setting both countries on the path toward calamity.
Authoritative and clear-eyed, The Sudans pulls back the curtain on this pioneering effort, demonstrating the potential of African-led peacemaking.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Ithaca
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
3 Halftones, black and white - 6 Maps
Dimensions
Height: 151 mm
Width: 229 mm
Thickness: 34 mm
Weight
798 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5017-8658-7 (9781501786587)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Alex de Waal | Willow Berridge
The Sudans
Africa's Search for Peace, Democracy, and Two Viable States
E-Book
05/2026
Cornell University Press
€0.00
Available for download
Persons
Alex de Waal is Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
Willow Berridge is Senior Lecturer in History at Newcastle University. She is a coauthor of Sudan's Unfinished Democracy.
Willow Berridge is Senior Lecturer in History at Newcastle University. She is a coauthor of Sudan's Unfinished Democracy.