An Independent Southern Sudan
Dwelling for some farmers near Kadugli, South Kordofan, Sudan.
Two Sudanese boys in ‘Kandahar, Sudan’ on a donkey cart.
Most prominently known for rampant human rights violations and severe conflict, at least part of Sudan now has a renewed sense of hope for the future. Earlier this month Southern Sudan hosted a referendum vote for the creation of an independent state. Overall, the voting process has been regarded as successful despite weak state institutions and a tense political environment. Although it has not even taken its first breath, many experts have already declared the prospective new nation a failed state. While the prospective country may be unprepared for sovereignty, her future citizens are passionate for independence.
After more than twenty years of conflict, the civil war in Sudan between the north and the south finally ended in 2005 with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). Relations have become strained between the two partners in the CPA, with government troops organizing at the border between the northern and southern halves of Sudan. This CPA expires in July of this year and called for the recent referendum which will determine the future of Southern Sudan. The world anxiously awaits the results of the vote which will be announced by February 6th and if the vote calls for independence our world’s newest country will be born on July 9th, 2011.
(Left to Right) Abdelgaleel Albasha, President of the Board of Directors of the ‘Badya Centre for Integrated Development Services’, Elsadig Elsayed, an administrative consultant, and SFCG Africa Program Assistant, Sophien Ben-Achour.
Within this context, Search for Common Ground and the Badya Centre for Integrated Development Services havecontinued their combined efforts towards achieving the preparations and activities set forth under the European Commission funded grant in Sudan. In terms of specific activities, a conflict prevention and management training was conducted in Aweil, with participants from the Dinka and Messiriya Tribes of South Kordofan. Additionally, a youth dialogue was held between the two tribes, providing a space for discussion where youth shared ideas on the theme of cooperation. In the coming months SFCG and the Badya Centre aim to continue the current training programs and to complete the “Participatory Civil Society Capacity and Needs Assessment,” so that it can carry out it’s planned Human Rights Trainings.
Country Side of South Kordofan
Should Southern Sudan vote for independence, as it seems it will, the road toward success will be far from easy. Challenges abound but with support and dedication from both within the country without it has the capacity to thrive as an independent nation.
If Sudan’s separation is successful, there are a number of territories that may find inspiration from the new country’s efforts. Just as Eritrea broke off from Ethiopia in recent years, it seems Southern Sudan intends to follow suit. Who will successfully find independence next?
- Kadougli Radio Station Staff members (left) with SFCG Africa Program Assistant, Sophien Ben-Achour (right) in production studio.
Two Badya Outreach Coordinators showing SFCG Africa Program Assistant materials made by women who took part in workshop on micro finance.
(Left to Right ) Sudan Program Director Entisar Abdel-Sadig, SFCG Africa Program Assistant Sophien Ben-Achour, and Frances Fortune the Africa Program Director in Khartoum
Kadugli looks like landscapes around Antananarivo (pic) – Madagascar
j’aime beaucoup les photos, pleines d’espoir (c’est mon impression).