Sudan: History and Now

Referendum Ballot

Sudan is a country in northeastern Africa. Recently there has been many news surrounding the country due to the fact that it is going through a major turning point in it’s history. If as predicted, North Sudan and Southern Sudan will split into two countries.

In 1956, Sudan gained independence from Egypt and the UK. This lead to the first civil war. Because of ethnic, religious, and economic conflicts between  the north and the south, the Second Civil War began in 1983. It was not until January of 2005 that the North and the South made the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which granted South Sudan autonomy for 6 years until the referendum about independence that just took place on January 9 -15.

In 2005, violence erupted between the Janjaweed militia and several rebel groups. Years later, in 2007, despite the peace negotiations, President Omar al Bashir does nothing to stop the genocide in Darfar that claims over 300,000 lives. Several years ago, UN visitors had already reported to the countries’ leaders that there was a genocide taking place in Dafur, but western and African leaders refused to take action. Rebellious groups also begin protests and revolts in Darfur, but are short-lived. The Government soon cracks down on the protests and rebellions, resulting in over 100,000 civilians fleeing to neighbouring country Chad despite the poor relations between the two countries.  In response to the violence and killings, the United Nations decide to send 10,000 peace keeping soldiers to parts of Sudan, with the exception of Darfur.

Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir is the president of Sudan. Omar led the peace talks with Southern Sudan to end one of the longest Civil Wars of the 20th Century. He negotiated with the south and eventually agreed on the Nairobi Comprehensive Peace Agreement, to grant Southern Sudan autonomy. However, despite agreeing with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, over 400,000 civilians have been killed in conflicts that have continued under his rule. Even with the Civil War and most of the violence over, problems have continued to trouble to country. Sudan’s relations with neighbours Chad have deteriorated. In 2008, the International Criminal Court accused President Omar of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, however, the Court had inadequate evidence and power to put him on trial.

The referendum which took place from Jan 9-15 2011, was a result of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005. The referendum was between Khartoum central government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army/movement and was about whether Southern Sudan should be independent. Results show a 96 percent vote for secession. If everything goes smoothly, Southern Sudan will be an independent nation by July 2011. The final results come out in February. While the referendum has taken place, there are issues surrounding the independence of Southern Sudan. Some issues include border demarcation and oil rights. Oil is Sudan’s main source of income.  80% of Sudan's oil reserves, estimated at around six billion barrels, are in the south but can only be exported through a pipeline than runs into the north. Because of this divide, there has been disputes on how the border should be drown.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/820864.stm