A tough start for South Sudan

On July 9, 2011, South Sudanese people celebrated their day of independence. After a two decade of civil war, many of the eight million residents had high hopes for the future. Despite the peace deal between North Sudan and South Sudan several issues remained unsolved.

The distribution of oil revenues was one outstanding issue. South Sudan inherited 75 percent of Sudan's resources, but it depends on the north's pipelines to export it. Disputes over transit fees prompted the South to shut down its oil production.

The suspension of oil production made South Sudan's economy shaky. The country lost 98 percent of its revenue. Annual inflation shot up to 79.5 percent in May 2012 from 29.5 percent the previous month. Food and fuel prices rose steadily, making life difficult for most citizens.

Hopes that the conflict between north and south had ended were dashed when fierce clashes erupted in the oil rich Heglig border region in March. Both sides accused each other of having started the fighting. Hundreds died in the clashes and thousands were left homeless.

The two countries were on the brink of war in April after the clashes in Heglig. After the Southern army occupied the area, the North bombarded a Southern town. An uneasy calm returned after the South bowed to international pressure and withdrew its forces from Heglig.

South Sudan has also been facing civil unrest. Nearly 900 people died after members of two ethnic groups clashed in Jonglei State between December 2011 and February 2012.Thousands of heavily armed youths from the Lou Nuer repeatedly attacked villages belonging to the rival Murle tribe in eastern Jonglei state. They retaliated with counter attacks.

After its first year as an independent nation, South Sudan is still a poor country. Roads, electricity supplies, hospitals or schools are either non-existent or in dire need of repair. 70 percent of the population is illliterate. Many depend on food aid. Author: Asumpta Lattus I Editor: Daniel Pelz