After weeks of voting on independence, the vote is finally in. Southern Sudan's residents voted in favor of independence 99%. It has been confirmed that it is around 98%. Still, it looks like Southern Sudan will become a nation soon enough. According to the news, Omar al-Bashir has accepted Southern Sudan's vote. "Today we received these results and we accept and welcome these results because they represent the will of the southern people" were al-Bashir's exact words. Well, we will have to see. Bashir is saying these words, but we will have to see. Anything could happen soon. There has been violence so far. People have been killed in clashes during the voting process. The voting has concluded and it appears that Southern Sudan will no longer be part of the Khartoum government anymore.
Considering the history of genocide and humanitarian violations in Sudan, maybe this is a solution for peace. There are many who have campaigned for unity. It would have been helpful to have unity, provided that the genocide ends. This however, seems to be the most helpful solution. The north is seen as an oppressor to the southern region of Sudan. Given the history, I would say this is the truth.There has been civil war going on since the 1950's and slave traders raiding the south region in the 19th century.
So far, there are economic uncertainties. This is one of the things that is concerning me. Southern Sudan is dependent on oil for its economy. This is also one of the reasons I am surprised about the southern region possibly seceding. Right now, oil is a huge commodity and I would doubt that any nation would grant independence to a region with vast oil reserves. A region with alot of petroleum, I believe, is a region that no nation would want to let be its own nation. Why? A nation with oil wants to hold on to the oil. The state of Texas would be a good example. I do not believe for a moment that the government in Washington DC would want the state of Texas to branch off and form its own nation. Texas literally sits atop alot of oil, and for that reason, I suspect many people would want to keep Texas. Of course, oil is a finite resource.Oil in Southern Sudan is eventually going to run out. There is a need to find another source of income. This is where I see the potential for so much more. The alternative energy industry could be big in Southern Sudan. This is a sunny region. This would make a good place for the solar energy industry. I would suggest that for better economic viability, Southern Sudan should invest in solar energy. This is part of why I feel that there should be more technical skills built up in Africa, and to do it on a massive scale. Do it for everyone. If you have the technical skills, you can do things. With more technical skills being built up, there is the potential to build more factories to make the solar PV cells. This will provide alot of jobs for people. I see alot of potential here. There just needs to be some long term investment, for Southern Sudan, and for the continent of Africa as a whole. There isn't as much potential for wind power, as the average wind speeds in Southern Sudan aren't as high as in the northern part. Still, at least on a small scale, I would suggest giving it a try.
As far as Southern Sudan independence, it leaves alot to think about.
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