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North/South Conflict
Historically, northern Sudan was predominantly Arab and Muslim, while the south was predominantly African and a mixture of Christianity and Animism. These divisions were further emphasized in the British policies of ruling the north and south under separate administrations, and limiting contact and trade between the two regions. After decolonization, most power was given to the northern elites based in Khartoum, causing unrest in the south.
Another factor in the North/South conflict has been the natural resources of southern Sudan, where most of the country’s oil fields are located. The south also has greater access to water, and is therefore much more fertile. The fight for control of these resources has contributed to two civil wars between north and south since independence.
Presently, Southern Sudan is an autonomous region, acting as an intermediate between the Southern states and the national government. The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between North Sudan (represented by the Sudanese Government in Khartoum) and South Sudan (represented by the Sudan’s People Liberation Movement or SPLM), ended 21 years of civil war, and is currently in danger of collapsing and drawing the country into further violence.
The CPA granted Southern Sudan autonomy for six years, to be followed by a referendum on independence. It also created a co-vice president position and allowed the north and south to split oil deposits equally, but left the armies of both sides in place. Elections set for 2009 under the CPA are at risk of being derailed, as tensions and fighting continue. Observers say the biggest obstacle to reconciliation is the unresolved status of the oil-rich region of Abyei, where borders were left undefined in the CPA.
Another factor in the North/South conflict has been the natural resources of southern Sudan, where most of the country’s oil fields are located. The south also has greater access to water, and is therefore much more fertile. The fight for control of these resources has contributed to two civil wars between north and south since independence.
Presently, Southern Sudan is an autonomous region, acting as an intermediate between the Southern states and the national government. The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between North Sudan (represented by the Sudanese Government in Khartoum) and South Sudan (represented by the Sudan’s People Liberation Movement or SPLM), ended 21 years of civil war, and is currently in danger of collapsing and drawing the country into further violence.
The CPA granted Southern Sudan autonomy for six years, to be followed by a referendum on independence. It also created a co-vice president position and allowed the north and south to split oil deposits equally, but left the armies of both sides in place. Elections set for 2009 under the CPA are at risk of being derailed, as tensions and fighting continue. Observers say the biggest obstacle to reconciliation is the unresolved status of the oil-rich region of Abyei, where borders were left undefined in the CPA.