#1 ·
Preliminary data released by the South Sudan election commission today shows an overwhelming landslide, with nearly 99 percent of voters backing secession from the rest of the country.
According to the figures posted on the commission's website, over 98 percent of the population voted to split the south away from the north. The official final tally from the referendum, which took place between January 9th and 15th, is expected to be formally announced this afternoon in the capital, Juba.
The history behind this vote is heavy; the north and south of Sudan were locked in a brutal 21-year civil war that claimed roughly two million lives. That conflict finally reached a turning point with a peace agreement back in 2005, which paved the way for this very moment. Culturally, the south is primarily made up of Christians and animists, while the north is predominantly Muslim.
Election officials have been working hard, distributing ballot boxes and necessary materials across the entire southern region.
"We’ve pushed through to the final stage of distribution because we knew today was our last chance to get everything wrapped up," noted Francis Kenji from the election commission.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime referendum, so it’s absolutely vital that we exercise our right to self-determination," added his colleague, Alfred Alafi.
With concerns mounting over regional stability, the reputation of American diplomacy in Africa and the Arab world, and the terrifying prospect of renewed violence, a wave of American officials has arrived in Sudan.
Even actor George Clooney has stepped in, visiting the Abyei region along the border—an area that will be annexed to one side or the other following the results.
"When you see helicopters lined up along the border, and you know rebel groups don't have access to helicopters, bombers, or tanks, it becomes obvious that these groups are acting under the direction of The Government. Our job now is to present the evidence we have," Clooney remarked.
If the referendum holds, Sudan will officially split into a northern section, largely populated by Muslim and Arab communities, and a southern section defined by its African and Christian identity. However, this transition won't be finalized until July, marking the end of the interim period established by the 2005 peace deal.
While South Sudan is home to about 8.5 million people and sits on significant oil reserves, there is a real fear that upon gaining independence, it could become one of the poorest nations on the planet.
As usual, the USA is being incredibly selfless... especially when there's oil involved...
According to the figures posted on the commission's website, over 98 percent of the population voted to split the south away from the north. The official final tally from the referendum, which took place between January 9th and 15th, is expected to be formally announced this afternoon in the capital, Juba.
The history behind this vote is heavy; the north and south of Sudan were locked in a brutal 21-year civil war that claimed roughly two million lives. That conflict finally reached a turning point with a peace agreement back in 2005, which paved the way for this very moment. Culturally, the south is primarily made up of Christians and animists, while the north is predominantly Muslim.
Election officials have been working hard, distributing ballot boxes and necessary materials across the entire southern region.
"We’ve pushed through to the final stage of distribution because we knew today was our last chance to get everything wrapped up," noted Francis Kenji from the election commission.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime referendum, so it’s absolutely vital that we exercise our right to self-determination," added his colleague, Alfred Alafi.
With concerns mounting over regional stability, the reputation of American diplomacy in Africa and the Arab world, and the terrifying prospect of renewed violence, a wave of American officials has arrived in Sudan.
Even actor George Clooney has stepped in, visiting the Abyei region along the border—an area that will be annexed to one side or the other following the results.
"When you see helicopters lined up along the border, and you know rebel groups don't have access to helicopters, bombers, or tanks, it becomes obvious that these groups are acting under the direction of The Government. Our job now is to present the evidence we have," Clooney remarked.
If the referendum holds, Sudan will officially split into a northern section, largely populated by Muslim and Arab communities, and a southern section defined by its African and Christian identity. However, this transition won't be finalized until July, marking the end of the interim period established by the 2005 peace deal.
While South Sudan is home to about 8.5 million people and sits on significant oil reserves, there is a real fear that upon gaining independence, it could become one of the poorest nations on the planet.
As usual, the USA is being incredibly selfless... especially when there's oil involved...