Paper short abstract:

This paper looks at how communities along Sudan and south Sudan borders surpass hurdles created by state structures that followed the secession of South Sudan in 2011.

Paper long abstract:

South Sudan voted for secession from Sudan in July 2011. The boundaries (social and administrative) were thus made into international borders. Legally, people along the borders of the two countries suddenly became part of either of the two countries although, sociologically, they belonged to both. The borderline between Sudan and South Sudan lies in the most fertile and resourceful zone and this means that as much as this provides opportunities for border communities, it can also pose challenges. Immediately after secession, borders between Sudan and South Sudan were sealed; making it difficult for communities along the border to move across. This paper looks at the dynamics at the Sudan-South Sudan border to see how people procure their social security beyond state regulation regimes and structures that restrict people's options.