On July 9, a new country will come into existence in Africa. Southern Sudan, rich in oil reserves, is declaring its independence. But an ongoing conflict with the north combined with numerous warlords pursuing their own agendas means that optimism is in short supply. Southern Sudan faces more unprecedented challenges than any new country in modern history. Its historical economic, social and political marginalization means that the region must start from the scratch to build critical institutions of governance and infrastructure essential for social economic development and political stability. As a result of conflict, the majority of its population is illiterate. Vital services such as roads, running water, electricity, education and health facilities barely exist and those which do hardly function or provide good services. Its current relationship with the North, which is at all time low, requires urgent and deliberate redress to ensure that the two can have a ‘peaceful divorce’ to enable them to co-exist peacefully as friendly neighbors. This is particularly necessary given the historical ties between the two and the dependence of the South on the North for vital goods and services essential for its survival.

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