Post date: Jan 07, 2011 4:52:19 PM
Sudan braces for transformation as the oil rich south prepares for a secession vote after more than half a century of war with the north
SUDAN-REFERENDUM PREVIEW - For decades this is what Sudan had become accustomed to.
Conflict between the north and the south can be traced back as far as the 1950s.
The last round of war lasted over twenty years- killing 2 million and displacing many more.
The majority of the dead were civilians, mostly dying from disease and hunger as they constantly fled the
warring parties and armed militia men.But the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement ended the last war, and put the wheels in motion for some dramatic changes.
The treaty granted the south a semi autonomous government and a referendum to decide whether they want to be independent.
That vote is now imminent.
Scheduled for January 9th, the outcome could have massive repercussions.
The south is expected to vote in favour of independence- dividing Africa's largest nation in two.
In the southern capital of Juba, there is hope on the streets that the referendum will help put the conflict behind them.
JUBA RESIDENT, GENG SAMUEL ADUP:
"Not at all, we are not willing for the country to go back to war. Simply, the side effects of the war has been experienced by both sides. Both the north and the south know the bitterness of war. Nobody actually accepts going back to war."
There are fears of reprisals following the outcome of the vote- and some are concerned that the referendum may actually lead to another war.
But Sudanese residents will be hoping the referendum signals a fresh start for the region with the creation of a new country.
Simon Hanna, Reuters.