Realizing the Potential of South Sudan: Introduction

January 7, 2011
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Reading Time: 2 minutes

This Sunday, January 9th 2011, is a historic day for South Sudan, when over 4 million registered voters will cast their ballot to decide whether or not the south secedes from the north to create a new independent nation. This referendum for independence is the culmination of a peace process ending decades of conflict between the north and the south. The conflict that spanned four decades with a brief respite ultimately killed more than an estimated 2 million people and continued until the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed in January 2005—exactly six years ago. While, political analysts believe that the referendum will yield a new state, peace will be fragile. There is much to accomplish in Southern Sudan where over 51%of the population live below the poverty line, and the literacy rate stand at a paltry 24%. Moreover, there are continued border disputes with the north over the oil rich regions of Abyei.

This Sunday, January 9th 2011, is a historic day for South Sudan, when over 4 million registered voters will cast their ballot to decide whether or not the south secedes from the north to create a new independent nation. This referendum for independence is the culmination of a peace process ending decades of conflict between the north and the south. The conflict that spanned four decades with a brief respite ultimately killed more than an estimated 2 million people and continued until the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed in January 2005—exactly six years ago. While, political analysts believe that the referendum will yield a new state, peace will be fragile. There is much to accomplish in Southern Sudan where over 51%of the population live below the poverty line, and the literacy rate stand at a paltry 24%. Moreover, there are continued border disputes with the north over the oil rich regions of Abyei.


BRAC, with 38 years of experience working in post conflict countries like Bangladesh and Afghanistan, entered Southern Sudan in 2007. Since then BRAC Southern Sudan has become the largest NGO and provider of microfinance in the country. Operating across seven states, BRAC works with poor communities to create greater self reliance and economic stability through an integrated approach – with financial services and livelihood development as well as health, education and capacity building.

BRAC believes that the time to invest in peace in Southern Sudan is now — at this crucial juncture, and investing in peace means investing in the people, especially those who are the most vulnerable and excluded. Over the next week as Southern Sudan goes to vote for new area of hope and expectation, we will feature stories from the field, highlighting BRAC’s work to enable the poorest people of South Sudan to realize their potential.

Click here for more information about BRAC South Sudan.

Click here for more information about the referendum.

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