1. South Sudan
b. Explain how political, economic, and social conflicts resulted in the independence of South Sudan.

2. Where is South Sudan?
East-Central Africa, south of Sudan, north of Uganda and Kenya, west of Ethiopia
South Sudan is a republic
Capital city is called Juba

3. What happened?
The people who live in the region of South Sudan have wanted to be separated for years (since 1800’s)
They do not follow Islam
They do not get along with the other Sudanese people
When Sudan gained its independence in 1956, it was thought that the southerners would be able to participate fully in the government
However, the Arab government did not follow its promises

4. 2 Sudanese Civil Wars This led to a revolt
st civil war
nd civil war
Around 2.5 million people died - mostly civilians - due to starvation and drought
Around 5 million people have been displaced or become refugees

5. Peace Talks?
Peace talks resulted in a Comprehensive Peace Agreement -signed in January 2005
As part of this agreement, the south was granted a six-year period of independence
These 6 years were to be followed by a vote on a final status
The result of the vote (held in January 2011) was a vote of 98% in favor of secession
Independence was attained on July 9, 2011

6. What now? South Sudan is rich in oil reserves
However, it is landlocked and there is not much industry and growth
Widespread poverty
Govt spends a lot of money to maintain a large army