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Proposed Boarder for the Republic of South Sudan Source: BBC |
After decades of struggle, conflict, and attempts at becoming independent, South Sudan has finally voted! The referendum allowing the Southern Sudanese to vote on secession from the north took place from January 9-15 and early results according the the New York Times show that 99% of those who have voted, voted for secession.
I must admit, I was quite skeptical on whether or not the referendum was actually going to take place. Seeing as my trust in Bashir is next to nothing, I was almost positive he wasn't going to give the oil-rich South up without a fight. I'm extremely enthusiastic that my predictions were wrong and that the referendum has not only taken place, but it occurred without significant violence!
Now that South Sudan has unofficially decided to become its own country, the people of the new nation get to begin the process of making a name, anthem, flag and all other things associated with being an independent country. The New York Times recently reported that the proposed name for the new African nation is 'The Republic of South Sudan'. Simple and easy enough to remember for me! This name apparently beat other suggested names such as "Azania, Nile Republic, Kush Republic and Juwama (an acronym for the three largest cities in Southern Sudan: Juba, Wau and Malakal)."
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Proposed Flag for the new Republic of South Sudan |
I'm hoping that with the Republic of South Sudan's secession from the north, most conflicts in Sudan will be over. However, the North-South split is not ending the ongoing genocide and conflict in Darfur since the Darfur region is located in the Western portion of North Sudan.
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Oil Fields in Sudan and the Disputed Abyei Region Source: BBC |
The final results for the Sudanese referendum should come out around the 6th or 14th of February (although I'm pretty sure all of us know the results already!). Although the process is just beginning for the new nation and the problems for Sudan as a whole are not over with Darfur and Abyei, I'm still excited for the prospect of a new start for South Sudan!
Wonderful Karen!! I first thought its web page like a news agency then I realized by the second paragraphed this must be you. Well written.
ReplyDeleteCould you research about the town/city called: Abeyi. It is said that its in a disputed area and
because of that suffering great acts of violence and
killings. I'm hoping that they too could find their
place and be at peace.
Keep well Karen. Niel
Hey! Thanks for reading and for all the nice comments Niel! :)
ReplyDeleteOf course I can do a bit of research on Abyei! I'm sure you aren't the only one to want to know more about the situation there. I know I for sure would like to know more. I'll create a post dedicated to Abyei once I'm done with some research! Thanks for the suggestion!
-Karen