(Above are the links to some of the best documentaries I've watched on the Sudan)
To begin with this, as far as I'm concerned, Al Jazeera offers an exceptional coverage on Middle Eastern and African issues. Uniquely amongst major news websites, Al Jazeera has had the most through and comprehensive evaluation (both in prose and media) on the Sudanese issue, bringing out the multitude of perspectives on the issue, from civil society, military leaders, government leaders, youths and the private sector.
On another note, I must say that from looking at all these different perspectives, from both North and South, I cannot but get the feeling that the reasons that led to separation can never truly be understood by any non-Sudanese. The extent of bitterness, pain and even anguish at separation cannot be truly felt unless one has had first hand experience of the turbulence of Sudanese history. The degree of emotional baggage and historical animosity must be something that all policy makers in Sudan, in Africa and in the diplomatic community must take into serious and deep consideration. For those who are curious, South Sudan achieved its independence on the 9th of July, 2011.
Flag of Sudan
Flag of South Sudan
I think to best understand the issue in Sudan, one really needs to watch the above two documentaries, "Fight for the Soul of the North" and "Fight for the Heart of the South". For the first documentary, it discusses the future of a diminished North Sudan, how its economy will cope with the loss of Southern oil and the potential political direction it may take. It raises the interesting question if Bashir will continue to remain in power and steer a Muslim majority Sudan further towards stricter implementation of shari'ah law and continued repression of other minorities in areas like Darfur, South Kordofan and the region around the Nuba mountains or will a popular revolution, like that of the Arab Spring, rise and topple the existing regime. It looks at the role of China as a powerful economic force and the possibility of China playing a major role in maintaining peace between the two Sudans. There is certainty a significant degree of sadness amongst common Northerners of the secession of the South. They disagree with their government's policy towards the South, and regret that, but at the same time, one senses the palpable fear amongst Sudanese of the Bashir regime. It also talks about the rise of Salafist Islam (the ultra conservative type as practiced in Saudi Arabia) and the potential of conflict with the more traditional Sufi form of Islam that is practiced by the Sudanese. This particular aspect strikes me most poignantly as it once again raises the issue of the impact of religious fundamentalism and its impact not just on national politics, but on regional politics and peace.
Map of Sudan
Map of South Sudan
The second documentary on the South discusses the various problems faced by the south. Poor infrastructure, years of devastation by war and widespread minefields, predation by marauding rebel groups from neighbouring states like by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the threat of intra-state conflict and a disintegration into a Rwanda style conflict between the 40 different tribes in the country. Only this time, it is not Hutu against Tutsi, but rather the Dinka and the others. It also raises the problem of press freedom and the fear by members of civil society on the fragility and threats against the nascent developing democracy. However, the notion of hope is not left out. There is indeed much economic potential in South Sudan, particularly in the field of agriculture given its fertile land. Indeed, the region of Equtoria has been called the "Garden of Eden". South Sudan's government clearly needs to maintain national unity, create a sense of equity and a system of power sharing amongst the different tribes and immediately begin infrastructure development in areas beyond the capital of Juba. Ultimately, the survival of South Sudan and its viability of the South Sudanese state is dependent upon the government's ability to maintain law and order and create favourable conditions for growth to take place. One now imagines the example of President Kagame of Rwanda and his efforts at reconstruction in Rwanda.
Khartoum, Capital of Sudan at night
Juba, Capital of South Sudan, aerial view
Oman Al-Bashir, President of Sudan
Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of South Sudan
Indeed, someday when I'm older, I would greatly like to have the opportunity to visit both Sudan's and experience first hand the rich cultures and histories of both nations.
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