Southern Sudan: independence is only the beginning-CNN International

Some of the thousands of people who were displaced by the recent violence in the area of Abyei fled south to the town of Agok.

HIGHLIGHTS OF POINTS OF HISTORY

• On Saturday, the South Sudan will become the independent State of southern Sudan
  
• The new country immediately will face the problems of poverty, conflicts and economic problems
  
• But there is also reason to be confident about the future of southern Sudan

Editor's Note: Ken MacLean is the Director of southern Sudan of Mercy Corps, a humanitarian organization working in Sudan since 1985.

(CNN) -on Saturday, southern Sudan will become the independent State of southern Sudan. Is a historic event: the culmination of a six-year process that ended a long and brutal civil war that caused the deaths of millions. Although the path to independence has been difficult, people look to the future.

This was a lively week in the country to be, and thousands of volunteers and world dignitaries traveled to the city of Juba to celebrations. But then comes the hard work of building a country on July 9 already faces major obstacles.

Here are three challenges that the new nation will be struggling with:

Poverty: 1. graded Sudan 154169 the human development index 2010 United Nations, and the southern Sudan will be one of the world's poorest countries, with limited roads, unfortunately inadequate and sporadic network of schools and hospitals. The number of victims of poverty is painfully clear: more than a quarter of 8 million people in southern Sudan do not have enough food, and more women die in childbirth than almost anything else in the world.

2. conflict: the violence that has flared in recent weeks along the border with Sudan. More than 100,000 people have fled the disputed region of Abyei, where it is expected that an interim peace agreement and Ethiopian troops can stop the fighting. In the South-North Kordofan State attacks forced more than 70,000 people to flee their homes. Violence is not all about North and South. Theft of livestock, rogue militias and heavily armed crime have added to the violent mix civilians terrorized.

3. economic problems: southern Sudan face many economic difficulties. The economy is heavily dependent on oil, a situation that could produce corruption and other industries to suffocate. The people of South-North trade dependent for food and fuel. With strained North-South relations, the trade is based to a halt, creating serious shortages, rising prices, blackouts and long queues for fuel. In addition, the Government will present a new paper currency in the coming months-without a definitive plan or sufficient cash reserves. All these factors could create economic instability.

These challenges have led some analysts to call "the next failed State" to southern Sudan. You don't have to be the future of this new nation, and 8 million people who live there, Mercy Corps and other groups are working to ensure that it is not.

There are reasons to be optimistic about the future of southern Sudan:

1. people are excited and hopeful. The country's success will depend on the participation and leadership of his people, that is energy and eager to begin building your new country. In contrast to only five years, people talk less about the legacy of war and more hope for the future. As a young teacher named Aguer recently told me, "I feel great and excited about our future ..." I'm focused on what I have to do to serve my people. Can I do to ensure that this nation as other large Nations? "Southern Sudan as Aguer knows there are challenges, but they are now of their destinations and eager to make their country prosperous". There is a great opportunity for channelling positively to this positive energy and emotion.

2. successful referendum was a good start. In January, the southern Sudan held a referendum Pacific fair and inclusive in which nearly 99% of participants voted for independence. He was a great success, and the people of the South made their voice heard. Southern Sudan should build this success to form a government responsibility and responsiveness and citizenship who participates and responsible Government. It must be special efforts so that women and young people have a game in his Government and communities.

3. Business can help. The private sector can provide southern Sudan required goods, services and employment. With abundant arable land and a favorable climate, agriculture has particular promise. Farmers-many of which methods of subsistence and grow just enough to get-they have a steep learning curve, but southern Sudan has the potential to be a regional breadbasket. New technologies-such as mobile phone networks to provide technical assistance, financial services and market-data farmers may give a boost to agriculture.

Southern Sudan was born in a difficult situation and will have serious growing pains, but with the right combination of peace, private investment and aid from the international community, can be successful.

Mercy Corps is one of the international community to collaborate with groups of citizens, local governments, farmers and businessmen to help Southern Sudan to develop their full potential. We know you a stable and prosperous southern Sudan will be good for Africa and the world, but especially for the people of the country, which both survived with his hope amazingly intact.