Not the best indicator, but a year ago in part of the UK there was a move amidst the entire Sudanese expatriate community to promote the elections and referendum. Rivalry alas led to some disorder and to the local police's bemusement it was all settled quickly and the unity tottered on.

I don't know if this expatriate community has influence back home; nor does it appear to be financially empowered.

Optimimsm here is very different to on the ground reality.

My questions are: will the UN contributors keep their military and civil contingents in place if violence escalates? Does their mandate involve an active role?

davidbfpo