Southern Sudan holds separation vote after thousands make long journey to freedom

[alp227]

Source: The Observer

Today, amid immense excitement, up to 3.9 million southern Sudanese will begin voting in a week-long referendum on independence. On a simple ballot paper, in a country where illiteracy is the norm, they will place a thumbprint in a circle next to a picture of clasped hands – the symbol of unity – or an open hand, if the choice is separation. After decades of deliberate neglect by the Arab-led, Muslim north, and north-south civil war for 37 out of the 54 years since Sudan achieved independence from Britain, there is no doubt which option will prove more popular.

Africa's biggest country is destined to split in two. Within a few months of the results being announced, Southern Sudan will be the world's youngest nation. The deal to hold a referendum on secession was the key element of the comprehensive peace agreement that ended the 21-year civil war in 2005. The conflict caused about 2 million deaths, with 4 million people – half the current population of southern Sudan – forced from their homes.

Many of the displaced people sought sanctuary to the north, and in particular the capital Khartoum, where they have since lived in shantytowns. As non-Arabs and non-Muslims – most southerners are Christians or hold traditional beliefs – they faced frequent mistreatment and almost constant discrimination.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/09/south-sudan-independence-vote

[madrchsod]

1. hopefully this will lead to some relief to the millions seeking safety

[Robb]

2. It's a good start for sure.

K&R.

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. Sudan border clashes kill 36 as south votes-officials

At least 36 people have died in clashes between tribespeople and Arab nomads near Sudan's north- south border, leaders in the contested Abyei region said on Monday, on the second day of a vote on southern independence.

Analysts say the central region of Abyei is the most likely place for north-south tensions to erupt into violence during and after the vote, the climax of a troubled peace deal that ended decades of civil war.

Southerners are expected to vote to split from the mostly Muslim north, depriving Khartoum of most of its oil reserves.
...
In a separate more positive development, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter told CNN on Monday Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir had offered to take on all of the country's crippling debt if the south seceded.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20110110/tts-uk-sudan-referendum-ca02f96.html

[social_critic]

4. Does this mean a US state can secede?

I wonder, if people in Southern Sudan can secede, does this mean people in the US can vote to secede from the union? What about the Palestinians? Can they vote to secede from Israel?