South Sudan: Searching for a Credible Development Path

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South Sudan: Searching for a Credible Development Path

South Sudan’s independence from the Republic of Sudan on July 9, 2011 was met with joy, trepidation and many challenges. Despite the fact that South Sudan is endowed with significant amounts of natural resources, the country faces many obstacles. These include a population suffering from significantly high levels of poverty and deprivation; extremely low levels of human capital accumulation; food insecurity; poorly developed economic infrastructure; pervasive bureaucratic corruption; a failure to deal with various internal security problems, some of which arise from violent mobilization by groups that consider themselves marginalized by the government in Juba; and continued conflict with the Republic of Sudan, especially on border issues. Although today, February 4, marks the stated completion date of the withdrawal of South Sudanese forces along its border with Sudan, South Sudan has failed to remove its troops.

South Sudan at 2: Seeking to Build a Strong and United Nation

Celebrating a birthday while facing many challenges: On July 9, 2013, the citizens of South Sudan, which gained independence on July 9, 2011, will celebrate that phenomenal achievement. But, as they take time out to rejoice and honor and celebrate those who fought for the freedom they now enjoy, they must also recognize that building a nation requires a lot of work and sacrifice. The nation that they seek to build has significant endowments of natural resources, which provide citizens and the government with a solid foundation for nation building. Nevertheless, South Sudan faces many challenges. These challenges include effectively managing ethnic and religious diversity and providing the wherewithal for 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.

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PaanLuel Wël

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PaanLuel Wël is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a news website that covers news, opinions, analysis, history, culture and literature of South Sudan and the world. Founded in July 2011 by PaanLuel Wël to create a platform for free expression and constructive dialogue, the website features articles from various contributors, including columnists, commentators, poets, authors, activists and academics. PaanLuel Wël believes that media can play a vital role in informing, educating and empowering the people to participate in nation-building and social transformation. He also believes that media can foster a culture of dialogue, tolerance and diversity among different communities and groups, and hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.

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