Independent Diplomat

SOUTH SUDAN

Republic of South Sudan (RSS)

Since November 2009, ID has worked with the Republic of South Sudan (RSS), formerly known as the Government of Southern Sudan until July 2011, to support its effective engagement in the many diplomatic processes that affect it. In particular, ID has helped RSS to manage the diplomacy surrounding the implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). ID has successfully helped RSS to maintain the international consensus on the need to fully implement the CPA in all respects, including the need to maintain the timetable of the January 2011 self-determination referendum.  ID is also helping RSS to make clear to the international community the many challenges it faces and the areas in which it needs continued international support after its independence on 9 July 2011.  By helping RSS to increase the effectiveness of its international engagement, ID has helped promote more sustainable outcomes from the diplomacy on Sudan.

 

                                                                                   _{Photo Credit: UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe}

 

Background

Africa's longest war ended in January 2005, with the signature of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the Government of Sudan in Naivasha, Kenya. The Agreement provided for an expression of the right to self-determination for the people of the South through a referendum to be held in January 2011.

The January 2011 referendum resulted in a clear vote by the people of Southern Sudan for separation. The RSS became an independent state on 9 July 2011 and was admitted as the 193rd member state of the United Nations on 14 July 2011.

The RSS will continue to face several challenges. Several important parts of the 2005 CPA remain to be implemented, including an agreement on the final status of Abyei. Sudan and South Sudan also need to finalize agreements on issues such as oil, citizenship and the demarcation of parts of the common border.

The RSS will also face its own domestic challenges. The country has significant potential sources of wealth - including oil and agriculture - but is currently one of the poorest parts of Africa, with particular long-standing disadvantages in the areas of health, education and infrastructure. Establishing effective governance and providing security to all citizens will require the ongoing support of the international community. South Sudan will therefore need to strengthen and maintain effective relationships with regional partners, key donor countries and the United Nations.

ID Congratulates South Sudan.

ID's Juba Representative, Philip Winter, recounts Independence Day, 9 July 2011, in South Sudan.