Southern Sudan's dangerous divides

Posted By Elizabeth Dickinson Friday, February 11, 2011 - 7:09 PM Share

Earlier this week, as many as 140 people were killed in clashes in Southern Sudan, pitting the army against a break-off rebel faction. The deaths raise the ominous scepter of conflict in a region that has tried hard for unity in recent weeks, as it voted in a referendum to secede from greater Sudan. Now, as Southern Sudan becomes an independent state, it's worth remembering that north-south violence isn't the only type to fear.

Southern Sudan is of course no stranger to fighting. During years of north-south civil war, rebellions were built, splintered, personallized, and canibalized. Alliances between groups and tribes were constructed and were shattered. And the wounds the decorate the Sudanese body politic will take years to heal. Although the regional president, Salva Kiir, has done what he can to bring opponents and would-be troublemakers into the fold, he hasn't always succeeded. As FP contributor Maggie Fick reports today for the AP, the rebel leader in today's clashes was once invited to join the government.

News has a short memory and after the south secedes, the international media will likely move on. It may take Southern Sudan much longer to do so and these clashes are sadly not likely to be the last.

ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images)

 

Passport, FP’s flagship blog, brings you news and hidden angles on the biggest stories of the day, as well as insights and under-the-radar gems from around the world.

Read More