Sudan and South Sudan

1. Sudan and South Sudan

2. Independence • Before 1956 the area that is now known as Sudan and South Sudan was controlled by the British and Egyptians. • After independence from Britain in 1956 Sudan struggled through many struggles and conflicts.

3. Differences • In northern Sudan the country was mostly Arab Muslims and in the south people were mainly Christians and traditional religions. • Because the new government, was filled mainly with Arab people in the northern part of Sudan, the southern Sudanese people had little say and civil wars began to erupt.

4. Problems Jaafar al-Nimairi • In the coup d’etat of 1969 Jaafar al-Nimairi came to power and made the country have a socialistic type of government similar to Egypt’s. • In the 1970’s Nimairi tried to make a lot of changes in Sudan and even granted the Southern Sudanese more autonomy (freedom/ independence). • In the 1980’s the economy of Sudan was awful and Nimairi adopted strict Islamic principles and took away independence in South Sudan.

5. North/ South John Garang • During the civil war of the 1980’s 2 million people were displaced and the country was torn in 2. • The North was controlled by a Muslim pro-governmental army and the South by Sudan People's Liberation Army led by John Garang. • By 1989 a new government took over and began a one party type government led by the National Islamic Front which was a dictatorship.

6. ` • Sudan became very isolated due to even stricter Islamic laws and even harbored Osama Bin Laden for awhile. • Over the next 2 decades the country struggled, people claimed that any elections that were allowed to take place were rigged, people lived in extreme poverty, and the government almost totally controlled the economy.

7. South Sudan is Born • During the 2 decade struggle about 1.5 million were dead and 4 million lost their homes. • In 2005 President Bush helped negotiate a treaty between the South and North. Sudan granted the south more freedom and representation in government • January 2011 a referendum vote took place and 99% of the South Sudanese voted for independence in S. Sudan. • July 9, 2011 South Sudan officially became a recognized independent nation.

8. The Future • South Sudan could possibly see itself become a wealthier nation because it has inherited a vast amount of oil wealth. • However it is still one of the least developed African nations. • It also still struggles over border disputes over the region of Abyei; which has yet to vote on whether or not it will become part of South Sudan or remain as part of Sudan because it wants it’s own independence

9. A Southern Sudanese soldier walks past the Aniet market in Agok in Abyei region. Residents of the town have fled after Sudan Armed forces occupied Abyei town and threatened to push southward. Cattle are central to the lives of tribesmen in Abyei region.