South Sudan: Joy and challenges as statehood beckons

[pampango]

http://www.euronews.net/2011/02/08/south-sudan-joy-and-challenges-as-statehood-beckons/

A massive vote for independence in Southern Sudan has opened the door to the creation of Africa’s newest state.

Hard work lies ahead to make that a reality but, for a people still suffering the effects of a devastating civil war, hope now lies ahead. Nearly 99 percent of southern voters chose to break away from the north in a poll agreed in the 2005 peace deal that ended the conflict. But where does the South go from here?

Jennifer Cooke of the Centre for Strategic International Studies said: “Southern Sudan is really building a new state from scratch – very little capacity within the government, some very smart people at the top levels – but in terms of the broader government, very little capacity. And massive development challenges.”

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir says he accepts the result, easing fears the split could reignite conflict over control of southern oil reserves. But the international community will have to dig deep to develop the south, which is due to go it alone in July.

video at link

[Ken Burch]

1. Are they going to come up with a new name for the place?

"Southern Sudan" makes it sound like they're STILL just a region of another country.

I hope they come up with something that evokes whatever was the traditional name of the area

(BTW...isn't it finally time that they change the name of "South Africa" to "Azania"?)