Today (9th July 2012) South Sudan celebrates its first birthday. Last night the streets of Juba were already swarming with dancing people. Today will see even more people gather in thanks and to remember the heavy cost they paid for independence.
I am now safely home in England, sorting out details for my studies and writing a few things on South Sudan. Yet, fellowship in these weeks at home is very precious, so I would love to see you.
South Sudan is one year old, please pray for...
Peace This Year
Thank God for relative and sufficient peace for the country to reach its first anniversary. In the villages, war has not been people’s daily concern, even if it remains the popular topic over tea in the market.
In the first year of independence, however, there have been many whispers of war. Nearly a thousand people have been killed in internal unrest in Jonglei State since December, adding to others killed in local conflicts. On the border with the North, there has been heavy fighting over the oil rich area of Heglig that prompted a season of Nothern bombing into South Sudan. Yet, the real suffering remains north of the border in the regions of Blue Nile and the Nuba Mountains. Daily bombing raids and ground offensives mean that this land is deeply entrenched again in war and thousands upon thousands are being lost.
Hope This Year
Thank God for the continuing prevalence of hope in South Sudan. This is still a new land with new promise. People believe that things will get better. Pray that their hope will remain.
Having turned off the oil pipeline that allowed the South to sell its oil through the North, the South has now had many months without a substantial income. The oil money was over 90% of its national budget. Their money will soon run out. It is unclear what will happen when people no longer receive their government salaries, especially the soldiers and their leaders. There is much uncertainty.
Change This Year
South Sudan is developing fast. Some regions that used to be annually isolated by waist high swamps are now accessible all year round by (bumpy) gravel roads. Schools are appearing and clinics are being built. Yet, a lack of trained staff means that few services are delivered. Also, with the coming of exposure to the markets and the wider world, local values and customs are being challenged. Pray for leaders’ wisdom as they protect and discard various values and practices.
