Presentation and Discussion "Transnational Networks and South Sudan's Communities"
After decades of conflict and displacement, South Sudanese communities no longer exist solely within the boundaries of the country, with significant populations now firmly established in neighbouring countries and beyond. While separated by distance, these populations remain strongly connected through kinship and community ties, and continue to be an important part of South Sudanese life. But the mechanisms of these complex networks and their impact on social, economic and political life in South Sudan are poorly understood, and are too often seen through externally imposed labels such as "diaspora" or "refugee". The Rift Valley Institute, supported by the Australian Embassy in Addis Ababa, has recently undertaken a pilot research study into the nature of these networks, focussed on communities in Juba and Melbourne. This event will provide an opportunity to hear the findings of the research, and to discuss the implications for South Sudan and those countries that host South Sudanese populations.