Today, South Sudan to hold a referendum to determine independence from the North.
Today, Sunday, January 9, 2011, the southern Sudanese to hold a referendum demanding independence from the country of Sudan. By the referendum, violence broke out that killed nine people.
Two groups of rebels clashed with soldiers in South Sudan on Saturday, January 8, 2011 yesterday. This clash allegedly an attempt to
intimidate voters in some areas.The referendum is expected to generate a new state so that the divide Sudan into two countries was followed 3.9 million registered voters. To be valid, a referendum must be followed by 60 percent of registered voters.
Saturday, Southern Sudan President Salva Kiir, who met U.S. Senator John Kerry gave a speech in front of voters. Although not yet officially become its own country, since a few years ago, Southern Sudan has its own administration's opposition to the Government of Sudan based in Khartoum.
"I urge you all to make the decision as an effort to peacefully end the long journey," said Kiir. "From the South Sudan government, we promise an atmosphere of calm and security is assured."
Kerry, one of the observers in this referendum, said stability in North Sudan is also critical. Sudan would lose half its land, nearly a quarter of its population and most of the money-producing, oil, if the South voted for independence.
"This is not the only moment of self-determination from the South, if they do, but also the renewal of the existing nations in the North. It is our hope, regardless of it happening or not, depending on the leader," Kerry said.
Southern Sudan has many years of civil war with the North. Some of this week's cease-fire occurred, but two smaller groups have not reconciliation.
If the referendum is successful, the largest country in Africa will be divided between the Arab-dominated North and the Muslim-dominated South African ethnic groups who are generally Christians and animists. July, South Sudan will become the youngest country in the world.
United States itself has put a referendum in the south of this as their foreign policy priorities. If the referendum is successful, the U.S. promised to remove Sudan from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. (Source: Associated Press | kd)
