The Sudan Curse: lack of power in South Sudan

Sudan and South Sudan’s tensions regarding the oil-rich land of Abyei are escalating. Abyei is one of the “three areas” (Abyei, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile) within the disputed border regions between Sudan (in the North) and South Sudan. These three areas are yet to determine by referendum or personal consultations whether they join Sudan or whether they join South Sudan. The tensions revolve primarily around the distribution of oil wealth.

South Sudan accused the North of launching airstrikes on or near major oilfields on Tuesday (between the towns of Bentiu and Rubkona), which the North denied. However, the Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Company, a consortium led by China’s Nile Petroleum Company, confirmed that its facilities had been hit. South Sudan is now assessing the damage.

South Sudan has crude oil, but no refineries. It is dependent on this oil to fuel generators so that the nation has power. Currently electricity is erratic leading to frequent blackouts across the country. Even the capital of Juba rarely has electricity and most companies and homes rely on diesel generators. The crude oil needs to be exported through Sudan, but the North and South have not yet agreed on the terms for the use of the northern refineries. In January, the South shut down its oil production due to a dispute with the Khartoum government. Without oil production, the country will remain in darkness. Two nation cooperation regarding equitable oil distribution and resource management is urgently required.

The Ministry of Electricity and Dams in South Sudan is now planning to build hydropower and thermal power plants to mitigate the electricity problem. The Nile River is its main source of water, and therefore would be a potential source for hydropower. The government plans to build a 40 megawatt hydropower station near Juba within the next three years. In the future, it plans to build two 200 megawatt hydropower facilities and a 540 MW plant within the next 5-7 years. However, there is currently no funding for these stations - not for the feasibility study, design, or construction.

The South Sudan government is currently seeking funding for hydropower and thermal power plants, and an oil refinery, through international investments. Since independence in July 2011, South Sudan has continued to be dependent upon the Khartoum government in Sudan for its oil production. Construction of energy plants would help South Sudan gain true independence and the means to stimulate economic growth.

2016 update on Rike Park, Tbilisi: from construction to busy park

From a flat patch of uninteresting dirt, Rike Park in Tbilisi, Georgia, has transformed in four years (from 2014-2016) into a busy park full of trees, flower beds, sculptures, fountains, and events. Rike (Rikhe) Park is on the left bank of the Mt’k’vari River (the Kura River) near the Old City of Tbilisi. The Peace Bridge links the right bank to Rike Park. Rike Park is below the hillside Presidential Palace and, via cable car, it is the starting point for the ride to Sololaki Ridge (with the Narikala Fortress and the Mother of Georgia statue). The glass box-shaped cable car terminus was opened on 23 June 2012, and since then the park has continually developed into a ‘people’s park’ where people can walk around, eat at the nearby restaurants, sit next to the statue of American president Ronald Reagan, climb the steps to Avlabari district, and access the sights of Meidan Square, the Peace Bridge, the Metekhi Church, the Old City, the waterfall, the sulphur baths, and t...

The acacia thorn trees of Kenya

There are nearly 800 species of acacia trees in the world, and most don’t have thorns. The famous "whistling thorn tree" and the Umbrella Thorn tree of Kenya are species of acacia that do have thorns, or spines. Giraffes and other herbivores normally eat thorny acacia foliage, but leave the whistling thorn alone. Usually spines are no deterrent to giraffes. Their long tongues are adapted to strip the leaves from the branches despite the thorns. The thorny acacia like dry and hot conditions. The thorns typically occur in pairs and are 5-8 centimetres (2-3 inches) long. Spines can be straight or curved depending on the species. MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom (2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Suda...

Hop on hop off bus tourism comes to Tbilisi, Georgia

City Sightseeing buses have arrived in Tbilisi. The iconic red double-decker buses, a feature of many cities around the world since the company was established in Seville, Spain in 1999, is now in six continents and almost 100 cities. The company established its Tbilisi business in November 2013, with its operations commencing in February 2014. The 90-minute tour stops at 11 major locations in Tbilisi (with 2 to 5 minute waiting times at each location): the Old City (where it commences), Freedom Square, Rose Revolution Square, Marjanishvili Square, the Dry Bridge, Konka, Avlabari, Metekhi, Akhundov Museum, the Sulfur Baths, and European Square. Passengers can hop off at any stop and see the sights, hopping back onto the next bus at any time. Alternatively, passengers can remain on the bus for the whole tour and take photographs when the bus stops at each location. There are one day (24-hour) passes (for 35 lari – about $20) and 48-hour passes for 55 lari, with family d...

flags worldJanuary 25, 2023 at 6:50 PM
The Flag Of Sudan is an image of both the Sudanese public and their fortitude with the remainder of the Bedouin world. The Sudan flag continues in the strides of a few verifiable flags, including two that were related with unfamiliar countries as opposed to the Sudanese public. The cutting edge flag of Sudan isn't the main flag that has addressed the country since it acquired its full freedom from unfamiliar impact, yet it doesn't show areas of strength for a from any verifiable Sudan flag.

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