SOUTH SUDAN: South Sudan Celebrates Second Anniversary of Independence

On July 9, 2013, the
citizens of South Sudan, which gained independence on July 9, 2011, celebrated
that phenomenal achievement. Nevertheless, South Sudan faces many challenges.
These challenges include effectively managing ethnic and religious diversity
and enhancing a peaceful coexistence; achieving food security; confronting mass
poverty and providing jobs, especially for restless urban youth; bringing
several violent non-state actors, including rebel militia that currently
threaten the peace, under the control of the government; resolving the
country’s various conflicts with Khartoum, including those associated with the border
and the use of the Republic of Sudan pipelines to transport South Sudan oil to
export markets; and dealing effectively and fully with various governance
issues, especially bureaucratic corruption and public financial malfeasance. 
Amid the celebration,
however, questions about the young country’s future came to the forefront in a
speech by President Salva Kiir. His government’s reputation already tarnished
by rampant corruption and a dearth of basic services, Kiir promised to deliver
services and vowed that corruption would not be the legacy of independence, insisting
a crackdown would start at the national government level and soon extend to
counties and villages.
Aside from a bloated
public sector and massive army, unemployment was another primary issue Kiir
addressed. Following the crackdown on corruption, he said, public money would
finally deliver “fruits of peace” such as education, health and clean water,
which would lead to development and job creation in one of the most
underdeveloped nations on earth.
Kiir also pledged
dialogue with Sudan to secure the peace needed to make both states viable, and
allow the coming generations to prosper.
Source:
AMECEA Social Communications

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