Sudan after the election?
 

looks like we will be crossing the sudan after the january 10 election. how long after the election should we plan on driving through to be sure everything is relatively stable?

i realize this is probably an impossible question to answer but any insights would be appreciated.

thanks, glenn.

Hi Glenn,
Impossible to predict. Those of us here are expecting to return to work after the Xmas break, but we've made plans to get out at a moments notice. It's a day by day situation for the foreseeable future (measured in months rather than days) which possibly could deteriorate to an hour by hour senario.

If you're going Gedaref, KHT, Wadi Halfa you should be OK safetywise. The only caveat is that the northern authorities may prevent your onwards travel at any point, especially during the referendum time.

Do not attempt to cross the borders between North and South Sudan around that time. There has already been shelling along the border in Abyei State last week.

The forecast is also that we can expect increased JEM rebel activity in the North & the same for LRA in the South. Although these groups are not targeting foreigners, both have a history of kidnappings.

Good luck!

thanks for the quick reply cam
 

we plan on crossing from ethopia to ad-damazine to kht then wadi haifa. we like to take time to explore but will sneak through quickly if that is more prudent.

our schedule is open so we will take our time in kenya and ethiopia and see what unfolds. i will continue to watch this thread and would appreciate any updates.

thanks again

glenn

hi all,
no one is sure about the future situation in southern sudan. I would not recommend anyone to go there during the referendum, but that is just a general advice. I have been in southern sudan mid november and although everyone was friendly, I heard about a lot of tensions and troop movements around borders....

In addition, I think that northern sudan does not let any travellers in during the referendum. So if you really want to go to the south, you will need to come from the south.

i will post a separate thread about my sudan experience.
all the best!!

BlueToyo, you drove right past my front gate on the Yei Juba road. Too bad, we've got clean sheets and cold beers for the occasional traveler that passes our way.

Preparations for the referendum continue. Foreign organistions are being 'asked' to contribute to the process. Looks more and more like the South will split from the North.

Another danger facing motorists here are the repaired roads. Before with the crap roads, everybody drove slowly. Now until the rains start again and the road washes away, everybody is driving at warp speed!

We have no intention of heading to southern Sudan. We want to stick to the nile and head north. Bad drivers and bad roads I'm used to. I just don't want a gun pointed in my direction...