S. Sudan: Thorny issues that must be resolved

Even as Southern Sudanese appear likely to vote for divorce with the North, the real test of a peaceful coexistence with Khartoum will depend on how the two states resolve contentious issues.

The two states would also have to agree on a common currency, payment of foreign debt and the future of the oil-rich region of Abyei.

The agreement must be reached before July 9 when the new state would be proclaimed.

The other thorny issue is the fate of the nearly 1.5 million Southern Sudanese — mostly Christian — living and working in the North.

President Omar-al-Bashir has already declared that if the southerners opt for separation those working in the North will be discharged.

The Southern Sudanese hold 20 per cent of the jobs in public service.

Mr Bashir has announced that if the South goes separate, he will change the constitution in the North to impose Sharia law and ensure that Islam and Arabic are the official religion and language, respectively.

Analysts have warned unless mutually agreed upon, they contentious issues run the risk of re-igniting conflict and preventing smooth secession.

“We are supposed to decide on how to deal with the huge $35 billion (Sh2.8 trillion) external debt and the sharing of boundaries.

Our breaking away will not mean that we cut oil to the North,” says Mr Garang Majak Angok, a former Finance minister in the South.

President Bashir and Salva Kiir of the South, have pledged to resolve the issues with sincerity, fairness and in consistency with international laws to ensure cordial relations between the two possible states.

“I have reiterated several times that even if Southern Sudan separates from the North it will not shift to the Indian Ocean or to the Atlantic Coast,” said Mr Kiir recently.