Behind the stories: Talking about the Sudan Referendum

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Sudan: History of a Broken Land

Al Jazeera maps the turbulent history of a country on the verge of a momentous decision.

As the people of southern Sudan prepare to vote in a referendum that may see them secede from the North, filmmaker Jamie Doran looks at the history of a troubled country.

It was the giant of Africa: a nation which once represented the greatest hope for peaceful coexistence between Arab and African, Muslim and Christian. That hope is all but gone. The promise of Sudan was just an illusion.

It is already a fractured country and, in the longer term, this is unlikely to be an isolated matter of north and south breaking apart following the referendum on southern secession. Separatist movements in regions such as Darfur and the Nuba Mountains are watching with more than curiosity. And it is not just Sudan: in other African and Arab countries independence factions are eyeing developments with a view to making their move either through the ballot box or the gun.
MORE

Listening Post: Sudan: A tough story to tell
We look at the complexities of reporting from within and about a country experiencing major change.

Continuing Al Jazeera coverage includes : Sudan's Tribal Division

Sudan's Political Challenges

South Sudan poll ends: Split is widely expected




IPS NEWS

South Sudan: Women Dream of Independence

KAMPALA, Jan 13 (IPS) - John Garang, the revered late leader of the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement, once said that women are the "the poorest of the poor and the marginalised of the marginalised". As the reality of an independent South Sudan approaches, the region's women have vowed they will not remain second class citizens.MORE

This was before the referendum but gives you a taste of what the new country is likeStakes High in What Might be Africa’s 55th State

Nairobi, Kenya, Jan 7 (IPS) - South Sudan is memorable for unbearably high heat, persistent noise from the generators that help cool the temperatures and glaring poor infrastructure.

The 10 southern states comprise expansive lands, which are sparsely populated mostly due to the threat of land mines planted in the bushes. This is more evident in Eastern Equatoria State, particularly in Torit, where the war first begun.

Although the south Sudan region is typically characterised by drought and underdevelopment, this strongly contrasts with the fact that it is has immense natural resources. Many say the underdevelopment is due to the antagonistic relationship between the north and the south region.

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The strife between the north and south Sudan is complex and is fueled by various factors. "Firstly, the issue of religion is a problem. The north is Islamic and want the rule of law to be based on the Koran. They want a Sudan which is guided by Sharia law," explains John Idri, a Sudanese who has lived in Kenya for a decade.

He further explains that although south Sudan accounts for an estimated 85 percent of oil banks, "The proceeds seem to benefit the North more than they do the south."

Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, the north and south regions have made efforts to co-exist peacefully. However, the feeling amongst many southerners is that the relationship has not been mutually beneficial. MORE

SOUTH SUDAN: Women's Eyes on the Political Prize


SOUTH SUDAN: Looking to the Future

JOHANNESBURG, Jan 14 (IPS) - The peaceful achievement of an independent South Sudan could have economic and security benefits for its East African neighbours in particular. Analysts say it may also shift the balance of power in controlling vital water resources in the region.

Speaking at a debate hosted by the Johannesburg-based South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) on Jan. 13, senior researcher Petrus de Kock says Uganda and Kenya are poised to build on their existing economic presence in southern Sudan.

Uganda is currently southern Sudan’s biggest trading partner and the main conduit for large amounts of imported goods, including foodstuffs. Ugandans also play a major role in construction and may see a spike in business as a newly independent southern Sudan rushes to develop infrastructure, he adds.MORE

BBC News Coverage included


Profile: Southern Leader Salva Kiir

Salva Kiir Mayardit looks set to become the first president of Africa's newest country in 2011 - no doubt still wearing his trademark cowboy hat.

The former rebel commander has guided his homeland of Southern Sudan through multiple challenges since a 2005 peace deal ended two decades of war with the north.

Since becoming the south's leader later that year, much of his focus has been on ensuring the south's referendum on full independence - the climax of that peace agreement - does take place.

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South Sudan leader Kiir urges forgiveness for civil war

Sudan deal to end Abyei clashes


Will Sudan split set an African precedent?

and there's more