Research Fellows

Our Research Fellows are at the heart of the Institute's intellectual endeavors, conducting groundbreaking research and providing insightful analysis on a wide range of issues. Their work supports our commitment to delivering evidence-based policy recommendations and contributing to informed decision-making processes. Discover the talented individuals whose research is shaping the future of policy and strategy.

Prof. Hawa Abdullai M. Danga

is a Senior Non-Resident Research fellow at ISPS. She teaches English as a second language at the University of Bahr El Ghazal. She served as Deputy Vice chancellor for administration and Finance of Bahr El Ghazal University. He also served as Deputy vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. Rumbek University.

Dr. Andrew L. Athiba(PhD)

is a Senior Research Fellow at ISPS, South Sudan. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies, University of Juba. Dr. Athiba was Head of Department of Environmental Studies of the school of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Juba.

Mr. Ador akok Athusi Dut

is a Non-Resident Research Fellow at ISPS He is a graduate from Omdurman Ahlia University Faculty of Economics and Business Administration Sciences, Khartoum, Sudan and earned B.S. in Business Administration-1996.

Duol Ruach Guok

is a research Associate at ISPS and hold Master Degrees in Federal Studies, MA in Diplomacy and International Relations (Ethiopia), as well a Postgraduate Diploma in Federalism, Decentralization and Conflict Resolution from the Fribourg University, Switzerland.

Ms. Lona James Luduro Elia

is a prominent South Sudanese expert in gender, peace, and security, currently serving as the Deputy Chairperson of South Sudan Political Parties Council. With a rich academic background, including ongoing PhD studies at the Institute of Peace and Security Studies, University of Juba, and an MA in Poverty Reduction, Conflict and Reconstruction from the University of Manchester, Ms. Lona brings a wealth of knowledge to her field.

Mr. Dennis Munene Mwaniki

is A Research Fellow at ISPS. He is als the Executive Director of the China-Africa Center and Director of Research at the Africa Policy Institute. Previously, he was a Senior Policy Adviser, Researcher, and Policy Analyst on Governance, Foreign Relations, and Security issues at the Africa Policy Institute. He also served as a Personal Assistant to the President and CEO at the API Corporate Center.

Hanafi James Killa

is a senior Research fellow at ISPS, South Sudan He was the Charge’ d’ Affairs and Interim(Minister Plenipotentiary) Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan to China. Currently he is the Acting Director of Asia and Oceania at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan. Formerly he act as Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Juba and also served as Director of Accounts at the SPLM-CES.

Ongama Mtimka, PhD

is the acting Director of the Raymond Mhlaba Centre for Governance and Leadership at Nelson Mandela University, a member of the university’s Senate and the vice chairperson of its Institutional Forum. He is a prolific writer, researcher, political analyst, and a lecturer at the department of History and Political studies at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, South Africa.

James Francis Kutiyote

is a Senior Research Fellow at ISPS, South Sudan and currently serving as the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in the Republic of South Sudan. Prior to this, he spent many years implementing USAID Democracy and Governance Programs in South Sudan, working with various international organizations.

Mr. Malual Bol Kiir

is a South Sudanese peace and human rights activist and a former two-time refugee. He co-founded the African Youth Action Network (AYAN), a leadership and peacebuilding organization that empowers youth to work collaboratively as agents of peace and conflict prevention. Malual has received numerous recognitions, including the Women’s Refugee Commission’s Voices of Courage Award in 2017 and Right to Play’s Champion for Children Award in 2018.