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Nairobi: South Sudan is all set to celebrate its first year of independence next Monday amidst number of challenges.
A year ago today, hopes were high for Africa’s newest nation. Following decades of conflict, the Republic of South Sudan officially declared its independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011.
Though the 21-year war with Sudan officially ended with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, new battles face the fledgling government in Juba.
These challenges include an economic crisis, clashes and cattle raids in Jonglei State, and a violently contested border with Sudan.
The south Sudanese people hoped that freedom from Sudan will probably bring an end to instability in the region. In contrast, the 'crisis' as well as the 'dispute' still prevails.
Notably, earlier in January, Juba shut down its oil production in protest of the taxes levied by Khartoum for use of Sudan’s pipeline.
Before this, South Sudan derived 98 percent of its revenue from oil exports.