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Ten lessons for an emerging nation: Southern Sudan after secession


In January 2011, southern Sudanese voted almost unanimously to secede from the mostly Muslim, Arab north. A new country will thus emerge.

From the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between north and south Sudan in January 2005, to the referendum for secession or unity in January 2011, southern Sudan has had six years of autonomous government. In that time, government ministries have been established and regional local governments have been formed. Six years of working toward a stand-alone government have paved the way for their transition to becoming a new country. Yet, there are many challenges ahead, just as there are for any new country.

Below are my ten challenges facing the new Sudan:

(1) The Name of the Country – whether the new country is known as South Sudan, or by any other name, it will evoke ownership, loyalty, patriotism, and nationalism amongst its people, and therefore it should be a name in which all residents can proudly say: I am XXX, just as we proudly say, I am Australian, or I am American.

(2) Democracy – as the country works toward democratic values, it should be recognized that advanced democracies provide effective governance where new and alternative representative groups emerge and where all voices are heard

(3) Provision of Social Services – a government that advances and improves the quality of living through the distribution of resources, employment, education and training, fairly for all citizens enhances public esteem and dignity

(4) Government Anti-Corruption – corrupt government representatives and organizations lead to public dissatisfaction and mistrust of politicians and law makers and therefore corruption at all levels should be mitigated and eliminated

(5) Media Transparency – combined with professionalism, transparency and neutrality, press freedom is essential for defending vulnerable and voiceless citizens, sensitizing communities to democratic values, and promoting awareness of global, community and development issues

(6) Mutual Tolerance and Coexistence – inclusivity in a country’s Constitution can herald a beacon of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between people of different races, languages, and traditions

(7) Human Rights – championing the cause of victims of crimes, injustices, abuse, hate, discrimination and other violations of human dignity is a government’s responsibility to ensure the security and well-being of its people

(8) Rule of Law – support for the rule of law includes domestic, regional, and global issues, such as the fight against human trafficking, illegal goods trafficking, drug trafficking, and corruption, and the promotion of criminally fair and independent justice to ensure stability and peace across the country

(9) Robust Economy – a major commitment to economic growth, entrepreneurship, creativity in business, and fiscal responsibility, as well as enhanced foreign investment is a challenge for any government

(10) Managing Change – environmental, social, and political changes, as well as changes arising from population growth and ageing, all require innovative solutions for a healthier world and its people



Dr. Martina Nicolls is the author of The Sudan Curse (2009) and Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010).
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