... so what exactly is South Sudan celebrating?

Amidst the frenzy of celebration around South Sudan's one year anniversary, I've been getting increasingly saddened, depressed even, about what's going on in this country - as I read some of the recent news articles that have come out recently. 

It's difficult to see what this country has to celebrate – apart from actually making it to a year old.

Let me illustrate my point with some excerpts from said articles.

GENERAL

Viewpoint: South Sudan has not lived up to the hype

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18550314 

"Two kinds of problems confront the world's newest independent nation: Unresolved issues between Khartoum and Juba, and internal issues surround corruption, insecurity and the failure of leadership among South Sudan's ruling party, the SPLM.

The contested issues between Khartoum and Juba - border demarcations, the contested region of Abyei, the disputes over oil and the accusations of harbouring and supporting each other's rebel groups - have doggedly undermined the socio-economic and political development of South Sudan. 

Moreover, South Sudan has not lived up to its expectations because of rampant corruption and wanton mismanagement within the government. In the wake of the loss of oil revenue, the president was compelled to acknowledge that more than $4bn (£2.5bn) has been lost within the past seven years. 

The failure by the government of South Sudan to stem the cycles of violence and to eradicate corruption and tribalism has effectively stalled economic development and disrupted social lives. 

There is hardly any substantial investment in agricultural productivity, social facilities, infrastructure, trade or development. This failure has left more than half of the country's population at the mercy of abject poverty, chronic diseases and violent crimes. 

The United Nations Population Fund reports that South Sudan has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world. This is mainly due to the inadequacy of health care and educational facilities in the new nation."

It just goes on and on. If you want the full depressing story, go to the link. 

The Problem of South Sudan Diaspora – 19^th July 2012

 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ID/7329/Default.aspx

A South Sudanese living in America writes: 

“There are many difficulties and problems that seem to justify why the Diasporas appear reluctant to return home after independence of the country. Among these are:-

1-       The despair and frustration of the way our SPLM Government is maiming and de-humanizing the same people they claim to have liberated.

2-      The shame of the international outcry and condemnation of our Government.

3-      The corruption, reign of terror, nepotism, tribalism, favouritism and opportunism – being the way our SPLM Government control their power – has become an alien culture to a people who have seen how the Free World of justice for all works.

4-      Like any refugees, they have no ability to repatriate themselves even if most of them may want to return home.

5-      Education of their children is a moral responsibility which they cannot comprise when they hear the schools are not working, especially the universities.

6-      Our SPLM Government sees the Diaspora as competitors for power; therefore keeping them out is the solution.

7-      The recent killing of South Sudanese American in Bor may add to their fears.

8-      Some diasporas are children of the martyrs who have become orphans; they may not return unless there is a Government-programmed project for them.

...

In conclusion, my advice to the Diasporas is that it would be self defeating to disown ourselves from our own country; it is our presence that can change things. We shall be abusing the hospitality of our host countries by being so apathetic and passive to allow our people to be oppressed by a small elite group in our country.”

ECONOMIC SITUATION, FOOD CRISIS, INFLATION...

South’s Sudan economy falters on its first anniversary

http://www.sudantribune.com/South-s-Sudan-economy-falters-on,43201

July 8, 2012 (JUBA) - A year after it attained independence, the new Republic of South Sudan is facing its worst humanitarian crisis since the end of the war in 2005, under the weight of severe economic meltdown and ongoing conflict, the international aid agency Oxfam have said in a report. The crisis, which is characterised by sky rocketing fuel and food prices, it warned, is likely to undermine long term and emergency efforts to help nearly half the population, who reportedly lack basic necessities for survival.

"Vital spending on infrastructure and services such as new roads, schools, healthcare and water systems is being slashed, as the country faces economic catastrophe. The price of food and fuel has reached unprecedented levels," says the report. “Inflation shot from 21.3 percent in February to 80 percent in May, pushing essential food and supplies way beyond the reach of ordinary people. Half of South Sudan’s 9.7 million people are facing food shortages – more than double the number last year”.

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) says more than 200,000 Sudanese refugees have fled the conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states into South Sudan and neighbouring Ethiopia.

The report highlights the impact of an increase in hostilities between Sudan and South Sudan, saying it has severed trade, cutting off the vital flow of people, fuel and goods, thus affecting the ability of people to earn a living. Oxfam cites the situation in South Sudan’s Border States, where markets have reportedly become bare while prices for staple foods, such as a tin of millet, which feeds a family of five for two days, have quadrupled.

Also of concern, it says, is the value of the South Sudanese Pound (SSP), which has fallen against the dollar, leaving small traders unable to stock market shelves with imported goods, heavily relied upon by the new nation.

High commodity prices exacerbate existing poverty in South Sudan

http://www.sudantribune.com/High-commodity-prices-exacerbate,42812

In South Sudan the poverty line is about 73 SSP per person per month (JS: around USD $14). About 51 per cent of the population live below the poverty line in South Sudan. The average consumption of the poor is 39 SSP, while of those who are not considered poor, 163 SSP per person per month; a difference in consumption of 124 SSP. It is obvious that the poverty gap is wide. The poor consumes less than a quarter of what the rich consume, according to South Sudan standard. With rising commodity prices, the gap between the poor and the rich is set to widen.

In Juba metropolis, and indeed in any other town in South Sudan, commodity prices seem to increase daily. In a period of about six months, a kilogram of beef which was only 12 SSP is now 30 SSP, an increase of 150 per cent; mutton, which was 18 SSP a kilogram is now 40 SSP, an increase of about 122 per cent. In a period of about one month, a bag of five pieces of bread was 1 SSP but it is now about 2 SSP, an increase of 100 per cent. A pile of tomatoes that was 2 SSP is now 5 SSP, an increase of 150 per cent. A litre of diesel which was 2.5 SSP is now 6 SSP, an increase of 140 per cent. A bottle of cooking gas which was 70 SSP is now 140 SSP, an increase of 100 per cent. This is just a sample of commodity prices in the market to give a glimpse of what is happening in Juba market and what people are enduring.

CORRUPTION

Corruption in South Sudan Will Never Stop If Not Completely Outlawed

http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ID/7339/Default.aspx

“Corruption in the current South Sudan is easy to practice. It is not dangerous to embezzle public funds, for no punishment for stealing.  Instead, the corruption is rewarding. It is profitable and is an easy way to get rich quickly.  The society, as well, respects individuals who get rich quickly when appointed ministers or directors. 

From nowhere many ministers and well-placed government officials, within less than a year, would build themselves houses and earn businesses and fleet of cars.  The message is that: when in charge of government’s properties, steal or else you are considered a dummy if you failed to use your chance well when in position to do so. This makes corruption endemic and rampant. It is apparent that certain individuals and government officials who had nothing to start business with a few years back are now filthy rich. Government funds or projects are given to family members to do business with - when government officials are also legitimate shareholders of these businesses.

So, stealing has become many individuals’ profession in South Sudan.”

TRIBAL CONFLICT

http://www.borglobe.com/11.html?m7%3Apost=tribalism-most-dangerous-enemy-to-south-sudanese-than-khartoums-regime

Tribalism more dangerous enemy to South Sudanese than Khartoum’s regime

July 8^th: “Many of our loved ones have perished in the course of tribal feuding under the swords of their own brothers and sisters. If we really need the Republic of South Sudan to be a free and equal society, then it should be tribally free, but if it’s to be tribally free, it must remain free and equal to all South Sudanese regardless of their tribal supremacy or backgrounds. Once people start to believe that their tribes are superior than others’, then they could become very bigots they are supposedly to be against.

The Republic of South Sudan is comprised of massive self-righteous groups who would in many ways identify themselves as Dinka, Nuer, Murle, Bari, Acholi, Ding-Dinga, Anyuak, Taposa, Mundari etc. These groups hold their tribal hatreds to the stage where they would attempt to project all evils deeds - I mean anything which is deemed evil onto other groups. However, in this situation the right of reply or attempt at dialogue is refused, leading to a feeling of helplessness and anger among the accused groups.”

* * *

All of this gives you an idea of the mammoth task required to build this fledgling country. Of course, after so many years of war and ongoing internal and North-South conflict, this is going to be a very difficult, long-term, intensive process requiring honesty, persistence and commitment from South Sudan's leaders - and to my mind, the most difficult thing for politicians in this country to overcome - putting their country's interests above their own. 

But people are still happy to celebrate their country’s first birthday, and why shouldn’t they be? It’s just sometimes hard to see the forest for the trees.

Oxfam GB Press Release: One year on, South Sudan falters under failing economy

As the first anniversary of South Sudan's Independence Day approaches, the press releases start flowing ... here's Oxfam's, released today.

One year on, South Sudan falters under failing economy
Skyrocketing fuel and food prices deepen humanitarian crisis as country teeters on economic meltdown

One year after South Sudan’s independence on July 9, the young country is facing its worst humanitarian crisis since the end of the war in 2005, under the weight of severe economic meltdown and ongoing conflict. Long-term and emergency efforts to help nearly half the population, who don’t have enough to eat, could be derailed by an economy out of control, warned the international aid agency Oxfam.

Vital spending on infrastructure and services such as new roads, schools, healthcare and water systems is being slashed, as the country faces economic catastrophe. The price of food and fuel has reached unprecedented levels. Inflation shot from 21.3 percent in February to 80 percent in May, pushing essential food and supplies way beyond the reach of ordinary people. Half of South Sudan’s 9.7 million people are facing food shortages – more than double the number last year.

In South Sudan’s Upper Nile region, where Oxfam is delivering water and sanitation to refugees who continue to flee fighting in Sudan, inflation and conflict have forced fuel prices up by 111 percent. A 200-litre barrel of fuel now costs up to $1600, compared to $600 in January this year. One barrel used to pump water into Oxfam’s water tanks for the 32,000 people in Jamam refugee camp lasts just two days.

“The jubilation of independence is now tempered by the reality of a daily struggle to survive,” said Helen McElhinney, Oxfam policy advisor. “Some people are living on one meal a day and double the number of people are in need of food aid compared to last year. Refugees are enduring dire conditions in border camps with not enough water to go around. The Government of South Sudan must work with the international community to urgently put the fragile economy back on track to prevent the world's newest country from plunging deeper into a protracted crisis.”

An increase in hostilities since last year between Sudan and South Sudan has severed trade, cutting off the vital flow of people, fuel and goods, affecting the ability of people to earn a living. In border states, markets are almost bare and prices for staple foods, such as a tin of millet, which feeds a family of five for two days, have quadrupled. The value of the South Sudanese pound has plummeted against the dollar, leaving small traders unable to stock market shelves with imported goods, which the country relies heavily upon.

South Sudan is increasingly reliant on food aid. Yet with peace, a stable economy, and investment in its future, South Sudan would be more than capable of feeding itself, Oxfam said.

South Sudan is rich in fertile soil and water, but less than five per cent is cultivated. The years following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement allowed agriculture to flourish, and in 2008 what was then southern Sudan produced a bumper cereal crop due to good rains and government support, making it self-sufficient in its staple crop for the first time.

“South Sudan has the potential to feed itself, and could be a bread basket for the region. Instead, renewed conflict and severe economic downturn means more people face food shortages now than since the 2005 peace deal, which ended Africa’s longest civil war. We must not allow the large investments in agriculture, water, education and other services be undone by the economic crisis and increase in conflict. The longer this crisis drags on, the greater the risk South Sudan’s development will slip backwards, and its vast potential will be unrealised,” said McElhinney.

Oxfam called on the Governments of both countries, with the support of the international community, to refocus on the AU-led negotiations, and for donors to ensure that both immediate humanitarian and long-term development needs are addressed.
ENDS/

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Refugees and returnees in South Sudan
Conflicts in Sudan’s Blue Nile and South Kordofan states mean South Sudan now hosts 170,000 refugees, most arriving in remote and impoverished regions of the country that already struggle to provide for the local populations. Refugees continue to arrive in camps where aid agencies are already overstretched delivering urgent food, water and shelter. In addition, nearly 400,000 southerners have returned from Sudan to South Sudan since late 2010, putting further strain on scarce resources in one of the world’s least developed nations. Many of the returnees have lived most of their lives in the north and have faced multiple cultural, economic and security challenges on their return.

Evacuating refugees
Rains in Jamam refugee camp have made what was an extremely challenging humanitarian response, now impossible in some parts of the camp. The relocation of refugees from Jamam is now not only critical due to the lack of water to drink, but many refugees are still in a flood plain and tents have been flooded. We cannot guarantee people a dry place to shelter, nor avoid massive health risks from water-borne diseases in the coming three months. Oxfam has been lobbying since February for the relocation of refugees from Jamam camp to a new location before rains made transport too difficult, where people will have access to a safer amount of clean water to meet their needs. 

What Oxfam is doing in South Sudan
Oxfam has worked in southern Sudan for the past 30 years providing both humanitarian and long-term development aid, including water, sanitation and hygiene promotion, public health, sustainable livelihoods, food security and education programs throughout the country. We also work through local partners and civil society organizations including women's groups.