SOUTH SUDAN | How Did It Win Independence?

Summary

The video script explores the complex journey of South Sudan's secession and independence, a rare success in modern international politics. It delves into the historical context, from the Ottoman Empire's control to British rule, and the ethnic and religious divides that set the stage for conflict. The script narrates the two Sudanese civil wars, the pivotal role of external support, and the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005. Highlighting the overwhelming 'yes' vote in the 2011 referendum, it marks South Sudan's swift UN membership. However, the script hints at a somber aftermath, with South Sudan descending into a failed state a decade after its hopeful independence.

Takeaways

• 🇸🇸 South Sudan gained independence on 9 July 2011, ending Africa's longest running civil war and becoming a rare example of successful secession in modern international politics.
• 📈 The independence of South Sudan was quickly recognized, joining the United Nations as the 193rd member just days after declaring independence.
• 🌍 Geographically, South Sudan is landlocked in East Africa, bordered by Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan.
• 👥 South Sudan has an estimated population of 11 million, with over 60 diverse ethnic groups, predominantly Dinka and Nuer, and a mix of Christian and local religious beliefs.
• 🏰 The region's history began with Ottoman-Egyptian control in the 19th century, followed by British rule and the establishment of Anglo-Egyptian Sudan.
• 🔄 Sudan was divided into predominantly Arab and Muslim northern provinces and sub-Saharan, increasingly Christian southern provinces, leading to tensions and conflicts.
• 🕊️ The Addis Ababa Agreement in 1972 attempted to resolve these tensions by granting the south autonomy and making English the official language, but failed to bring lasting peace.
• 🛑 The discovery of oil reserves and growing Islamic sentiment in the north intensified conflicts, leading to the unilateral abrogation of the Addis Ababa Agreement and the start of the Second Sudanese Civil War.
• ⚔️ The Second Civil War lasted 22 years, resulting in over 2 million deaths and significant financial strain on Sudan, influencing the eventual peace agreement.
• 📝 The Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005 ended the Second Civil War and included provisions for a referendum on South Sudan's independence, which overwhelmingly voted in favor of secession.
• 🏳️‍🌈 Despite the celebration of independence, South Sudan has faced significant challenges and is considered one of the world's newest failed states a decade later.

Q & A

When did South Sudan formally become independent?

South Sudan formally became independent on 9 July 2011.

What makes South Sudan's secession unique in modern international politics?

South Sudan's secession is unique as it is one of the very few examples of successful secession in modern international politics.

What was the outcome of South Sudan's independence movement?

The outcome of South Sudan's independence movement was its recognition as a sovereign state and becoming the 193rd member of the United Nations.

What geographical challenges does South Sudan face?

South Sudan is landlocked, surrounded by Ethiopia to the east, Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the south, the Central African Republic to the west, and Sudan to the north.

What is the estimated population of South Sudan and its ranking among UN member states?

The estimated population of South Sudan is around 11 million people, which puts it in 83rd place among the 193 UN member states.

How did the discovery of oil reserves impact the relationship between northern and southern Sudan?

The discovery of oil reserves along the border between northern and southern Sudan was a major source of contention and contributed to the tensions between the two regions.

What was the Addis Ababa Agreement and what did it entail?

The Addis Ababa Agreement was a peace deal mediated by the World Council of Churches in 1972 that granted the southern provinces of Sudan a unified autonomous region with its own legislature and executive, and designated English as the official language in the south.

What sparked the Second Sudanese Civil War?

The Second Sudanese Civil War was sparked when President Jafaar Nimeiry unilaterally abrogated the Addis Ababa Agreement and declared Sudan to be a unitary Islamic state under sharia law in September 1983.

What was the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and when was it signed?

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed on 9 January 2005 and brought the Second Civil War to an end. It included provisions for southern autonomy and a referendum for South Sudan to vote for secession after six years.

What was the outcome of the referendum held for South Sudan's independence?

The outcome of the referendum held from 9-15 January 2011 was overwhelmingly in favor of independence, with 98.83 percent of the 3.85 million votes cast supporting the creation of an independent state.

Why was South Sudan's independence a rare occurrence in modern international relations?

South Sudan's independence was a rare occurrence because it was one of the exceedingly rare examples of a successful secession in modern international relations, with most secessionist campaigns failing or achieving only partial recognition.

What challenges did South Sudan face a decade after its independence?

A decade after its independence, South Sudan has become the world's newest failed state, indicating ongoing political, economic, and social challenges.