The referendum in Southern Sudan, commencing on Sunday January 9, 2011 will determine whether Southern Sudan will secede from northern Sudan (to form a new country) or whether unity (one country) will remain. It is the most important decision eligible voting Sudanese will make in their life time.
The lost boys of Sudan - those that walked to escape the civil war (the 20 year civil war between the north and the south which ended in January 2005 with a Comprehensive Peace Agreement) - escaped on foot, walking to neighbouring countries, such as Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya - and even to northern Sudan and Egypt. Many started a new life in new countries, most in African countries, but also many to the United Kingdom, Canada, America, Australia and Europe.
In their new countries, they faced many challenges - fitting into a new culture with new experiences - and deciding whether to study or work. Most combining the two knowing that one day they could return to assist their home country with their new skills.
Twenty years later - in 2006, some lost boys - Sudanese Diaspora - returned to assist the emerging autonomous region of Southern Sudan rebuild and recover after the signing of the peace agreement. In The Sudan Curse, my fictional account of this time, it tells of the new difficulties facing them as they return to their homeland. It would be incorrect to assume that they returned to the land they knew. Some were shell-shocked at the difference between their excited anticipation of returning, and the reality of the challenges ahead. In 2006 the homeland was gutted and decimated - government structures were decaying, there was no power, limited accommodation, and limited services. As donors also came to the region, government ministries opened (and they had to start from scratch), road construction commenced, schools were opened (teachers were scarce and hence teacher training commenced), and law and order resumed. The government ministries have come a long way in Southern Sudan since their emergence in 2006 to 2011 and the critical referendum.
Was it too early for some of the lost boys to return in 2006? It is never too early to return to one's homeland. However, these early returners (some for short periods of time, some for months or years) commenced the re-building efforts in a difficult environment. For those whom had families to return to, there was expectations that they would bring lots of money to their families. Many Diaspora had large families of their own back in Canada or America and were therefore supporting two large families - those in their exiled land and those in their homeland. Often the returned Sudanese were too proud to say that their funds were limited - and the pressures of their homeland families was extremely demanding. I know of several returned boys who were expected to contribute financially on a weekly basis to their Sudanese brothers in Juba - and their brothers demanded more and more money. Duty-bound Diaspora felt extreme pressure to fulfill their commitments.
For the Sudanese returning again to Southern Sudan and those going home for the first time, they must often weigh their commitments - financial, emotional, social and developmental - with a balanced approach. There will be much excitement to do much for so many as quickly as possible.
Set your own pace and trust your own judgement.
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