Lawmakers Hopeful For Future Of South Sudan

By Philip Bunnell

South Sudan officially gained independence on July 9, and despite its violent history and troubled future, lamakers on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee expressed hope for the world’s newest nation.

After 56 years of bloody civil war, the South Sudanese citizens overwhelmingly supported a referendum that opted for independence. Sen. Dick Lugar (R-Ind.), the top Republican on the committee, called South Sudan’s independence a “rare modern milestone.”

“The people of South Sudan have realized their dream of independence and deserve recognition for the sacrifice and commitment they have made to achieve this in the face of enormous odds.”

Despite the jubilance for South Sudan’s independence, there are obviously still grave concerns. US Special Envoy to Sudan Princeton Lyman warned the committee of “credible allegations of targeted and ethnic-based killings and gross human rights violations” that have taken place along the Sudan-South Sudan border. He also noted how “resupply routes for humanitarian agencies have been blocked.”

A litany of other problems linger, he added. For instance, some in the Sudanese government do not trust the United States and a serious lack of education and infrastructure will stunt development in the South.

Nonetheless, committee Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) remembered visiting South Sudan during the election where “millions of South Sudanese stood in line for hours to cast their votes for independence.”

“I remember coming out of one of the voting places and said ‘gosh, some of these people are going to walk away, the lines are so long and they can’t wait that long to vote,’” said Kerry.  Then, Kerry said, “two or three of these people… turned around to me and just said ‘Senator, we’ve been waiting for 56 years, we can wait a few more hours.’”

President Obama Recognizes South Sudan

The White House released the following statement from President Obama:

I am proud to declare that the United States formally recognizes the Republic of South Sudan as a sovereign and independent state upon this day, July 9, 2011.  After so much struggle by the people of South Sudan, the United States of America welcomes the birth of a new nation.

Today is a reminder that after the darkness of war, the light of a new dawn is possible. A proud flag flies over Juba and the map of the world has been redrawn. These symbols speak to the blood that has been spilled, the tears that have been shed, the ballots that have been cast, and the hopes that have been realized by so many millions of people. The eyes of the world are on the Republic of South Sudan. And we know that southern Sudanese have claimed their sovereignty, and shown that neither their dignity nor their dream of self-determination can be denied.  

This historic achievement is a tribute, above all, to the generations of southern Sudanese who struggled for this day. It is also a tribute to the support that has been shown for Sudan and South Sudan by so many friends and partners around the world. Sudan’s African neighbors and the African Union played an essential part in making this day a reality.  And along with our many international and civil society partners, the United States has been proud to play a leadership role across two Administrations. Many Americans have been deeply moved by the aspirations of the Sudanese people, and support for South Sudan extends across different races, regions, and political persuasions in the United States.  I am confident that the bonds of friendship between South Sudan and the United States will only deepen in the years to come.  As Southern Sudanese undertake the hard work of building their new country, the United States pledges our partnership as they seek the security, development and responsive governance that can fulfill their aspirations and respect their human rights. 

As today also marks the creation of two new neighbors, South Sudan and Sudan, both peoples must recognize that they will be more secure and prosperous if they move beyond a bitter past and resolve differences peacefully. Lasting peace will only be realized if all sides fulfill their responsibilities.  The Comprehensive Peace Agreement must be fully implemented, the status of Abyei must be resolved through negotiations, and violence and intimidation in Southern Kordofan, especially by the Government of Sudan, must end. The safety of all Sudanese, especially minorities, must be protected. Through courage and hard choices, this can be the beginning of a new chapter of greater peace and justice  for all of the Sudanese people.  

Decades ago, Martin Luther King reflected on the first moment of independence on the African continent in Ghana, saying, “I knew about all of the struggles, and all of the pain, and all of the agony that these people had gone through for this moment.” Today, we are moved by the story of struggle that led to this time of hope in South Sudan, and we think of those who didn’t live to see their dream realized.  Now, the leaders and people of South Sudan have an opportunity to turn this moment of promise into lasting progress.  The United States will continue to support the aspirations of all Sudanese.  Together, we can ensure that today marks another step forward in Africa’s long journey toward opportunity, democracy and justice. 

News from the United Nations 2.4.08

Today Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was in Bucharest, Romania.  The SG met with NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and discussed tomorrow's meeting on Afghanistan.  In a written statement, the Secretary-General indicated that the two "discussed various issues of mutual interest and concern, starting with the situation in Afghanistan, and Kosovo, the Millennium Development Goals, regional offices and fighting against crime. I am also grateful for the kind gesture to allow shelter to refugees."

Later this week Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes will travel to the middle east to discuss partnership and collaboration between the United Nations, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.  Mr. Holmes will meet with top-level government officials, and Red Cross affiliates.  On April 8th he will deliver the key-note address at the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference.

Today the United Nations issued a report stating school enrollment in South Sudan is expected to surpass 1 million.  According to the UN, Last year enrollment was approximately 340,000 students; this year enrollment will be 1.3 million. Since 2007, in conjunction with the government of South Sudan, the 'Go to School' United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has worked to develop permanent education facilities, as well as construct a stable education infrastructure.