This briefing paper published by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) in October 2010 discusses the factors needed for successful budget reforms after conflicts, using the example of Southern Soudan. The study highlights two factors, in particular, that have influenced the success of Southern Soudan in building planning and budgeting systems after 22 years of conflict between the Government of Sudan and Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM). These two factors are: Strong technical leadership from an integrated Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, responsible for planning, budgeting and aid coordination. System development that was tailored to this specific context, with incremental improvements aligned to development in local capacity.