Sudan is now two countries. As of Saturday, July 9th, 2011, South Sudan is an independent nation. After years of civil war. Officially recognized by the United Nations, Africa’s newest nation emerges from decades of civil war. After a highly publicized and longstanding conflict, the result is
With the fact of independence a reality after nearly five years, the question is, what now ? How will South Sudan be welcomed into the fold of the international African community? How will the nation rebuild its infrastructure, and relate to the African Union? So many questions, most of which will be answered by the passage of time. But for now, its time to welcome the newly independent South Sudan as Africa’s newest country.
Quick Facts about South Sudan:
- Population is roughly 8 million
- The capital is Juba
- In the January 2011 referendum, 98% of the people voted for independence
- South Sudan is bordered by Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda
-Marc W. Polite
If you look at the map, you’ll note that South Sudan is landlocked. They don’t have a coastline or a port, so all imports to and exports from South Sudan have to pass through other countries.
They only have two direct routes to the sea – through Kenya, via truck to Nairobi and train to the port of Mombasa, or through Sudan, via train to Port Sudan.
The Port Sudan route is both the easiest and the most politically difficult, as it passes through the country they just seceded from, the Kenya route is the safest politically, but it’s the slowest and most difficult, since South Sudan has terrible roads (n lots of places they aren’t even paved, just dirt paths) and the highways in northern Kenya aren’t much better.
This is going to be a problem for them when they try and develop their oil deposits, the only serious possibility they have for economic independence.
Thank you for your commentary Greg. It appears as though South Sudan will emerge amongst the membership of nations with many of the same economic and political difficulties other decolonized countries had to deal with. Political independence is only part of the issue.
Perhaps South Sudan can build their roads up and firm up their relations with Kenya.