Problems in Sudan

By Justin T. Bradshaw

After a twenty-one year civil war that began in 1983, South Sudan formally gained their independence from Sudan on July 9th,2011. Though this seceding was thought be the end of many conflicts between the two sides, new problems evolved in both nations.

When South Sudan left, they not only left behind their northern enemies, but also large groups of supporters in two Sudan states–Blue Nile and South Kordofan. These remaining rebels call themselves SPLM-North (Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North). Since South Sudan’s departure, much violence has occurred between SPLM-North and the Sudan government. Beginning in September of 2011 back and forth skirmishes have taken place between the two sides, resulting in large casualties of soldiers and civilians. The violence has already forced 417,000 to leave their homes, 80,000 of those fleeing to South Sudan.

While having to worry about being caught in the crossfires of war, the Sudan civilians are also having to battle a struggle on a different front. On January 4th of this year the UN received reports that both the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states are currently being faced with a terrible food crisis and malnutrition situation. Just five days ago, the United States representative to Sudan, Princeton Lyman, reported that “Half a million people will face an emergency bordering on famine by March if international humanitarian organizations are not allowed into areas of Sudan that are mired in conflict.”

South Sudan is also experiencing a very challenging crisis in their young nation as well. Starting in June of 2011 the Lou Nuer tribe and Murle communities have been constantly attacking and stealing cattle from one another.The raids left 1,000 dead and at least 100,000 displaced. However, over the past the past two months the violence has increased tremendously. In a raid against the Lou Nuer the Murle killed 3,000 and drove at least 50,000 more people from their homes.