Sudan Resigned to Separation, but Hopes for Peace (Video)

Africa’s largest country is already preparing to split into two sovereign states.

Sudanese supporters of secession wave regional flags and pro-separation placards upon the arrival of Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir at Juba airport on Jan. 4. Bashir told them in a speech in the southern capital that he would celebrate the result of thi Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty Images

Carter Upbeat Ahead of Sudan Vote (NTD Television)

Days before the start of Southern Sudan nation-making referendum on self-determination, Africa’s largest country is already preparing to split into two sovereign states. While a lack of unity is often viewed as a weakness, in Sudan it seems to be the sole hope for lasting peace, for both the north and south.

Sudan suffered 22 years of civil war caused by cultural, religious, and social differences. It ended in 2005 with the signing of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the major ruling political parties in the country: the National Congress Party in the north and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in the south. Sunday’s referendum is the last step in fulfilling the agreement.

Voting will take place Jan. 9 to 15 for the 3.9 million registered voters from Southern Sudan, and approximately 200,000 will vote from the north or overseas.

“The aim of the referendum and of the [south’s] secession is exactly for these conflicts to stop. On Jan. 9 people will decide once and for all what they want to do with their own country, what government they want, and by doing so they will put an end to the source of all conflicts,” says Dr. Francis G. Nazario, head of the Liaison Office of the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) in Brussels.

According to Nazario, Southern Sudan has wanted independence since the country was established in 1956 because Southerners have always felt excluded by the north.