Julius Plenz – Blog

I am closely following the secession of Southern Sudan. It is a very intriguing situation – the birth of a new state.

Information is scarce about this topic. The Sudan Tribune provides some insights, but most quality coverage is done by Al Jazeera here. Some facts to consider (quoted from here):

• The political system is dominated by one party [the SPLM]
• Other opposition parties are extremely weak
• Parliamentary elections in April 2010 were marred by widespread reports of intimidation and fraud
• Juba [the Capitol-to-be] produces more than three-quarters of Sudan's 500,000 barrels per day of oil
• 98 per cent of government revenue comes from the petroleum sector
• Southern Sudan has just 60 kilometres of paved roads, and electricity is provided only intermittently by generators
• southern officials estimate that between 150,000 and 200,000 people – in a region of 20 million – are on the army's payroll

Eritrea, Libya and Iran have already stated they won't recognize Southern Sudan as a state. Most western countries probably will, as plans are persued to open embassies in Juba. (Juba has just been getting a new international airport – I wonder how much fuel they keep on stock to operate it just with generator power?)