The mood on Saturday, July 9, 2011 was celebratory as South Sudan marked its first day as the newest nation in the world in the capital of Juba. After more than five decades of guerrilla struggle and the loss of nearly two million lives, this is not only a milestone for the people but the mark of a new beginning. However, now that the celebrations are over, dignitaries have returned home and as people return to their every day lives, the question remains: what is next for South Sudan?
The country is the 54th state in the continent of Africa and at its birth takes its place at the bottom of the developing world. More than three-quarters of adults are illiterate, a 15 year old girl is more likely to die of childbirth than to go to school, a majority of the people live on less than a dollar a day, and about 40% of the people need food aid. There is still the dispute over the region of Abeyi, which has caused conflict between the north and south in recent weeks.
Statistically, the situation in this new country seems bleak but most of the citizens are willing to start building from the bottom.
South Sudan produces about 375,000 barrels of oil and though there has not been agreement reached on how both the north and south will share the reserves, South Sudan stands to generate a great amount of revenue. It has land, miles and miles of thick forests and fertile jungles, where the trees drip with vines and branches bend earthward, heavy with fruit. With strong government organization and a determination from the people to uplift the country to new heights, the possibilities for South Sudan are endless.
Some positive steps have already been taken, showing that leaders of South Sudan realize that all eyes have turned to them. On July 12, Sudan’s president Salva Kiir said he was committed to the charter of the United Nation’s and submitted the country’s application to become the organization’s newest member. South Sudan’s central bank has already planned to begin issuing its new currency, the South Sudan Pound, as early as next week.
Though the future of South Sudan and how it will cope being completely independent still seems uncertain, there is definitely hope as the people are motivated towards a new beginning and leaders are rapidly making steps to settle the country into it’s new found autonomy.
