South Sudan

The united Sudan was an extremely complex country. Africas largest, with a population of 42 million people and 600 different ethnic groups. The country was ruled by an muslim arab etite from Khartoum throughout its modern history. This elite controlled both political power and economic resources and this lead to marginalisation, not just of the people in South Sudan, but also of the people in Darfur and areas in the eastern and northern Sudan. 90 % of all infrastructure in Sudan is situated in the state of Khartoum

Since indipendence in 1956, there has been civil war in Sudan for over 40 years combined. The peace agreement between the liberation movement in South Sudan, SPLM, and the government in Khartoum, that was signed in january 2005, gave a promise of an end to the longest war in Africa, a war that  killed 2 million people and turned 4 million people into refugees.

South Sudan is rich in natural resources: Large areas with fertile land and pastures, oil and minerals and mahogni and teak forests. Unfortunately, these riches doesen't mean wealth for the sudanese people. The sharing of oil revenues, poer and the where the borders go between north and south are important political issues. After the peace agreement the people of South Sudan expects the autorities to build schools, hospitals and roads. But the government in South Sudan is totally dependent on oil revenues and support from the international community to succeed in this.

NPA has been working in South Sudan since 1986, and with mine clearance since 2004. NPA is one of the largest Norwegian humanitarian organisations in South Sudan and has worked with local organisations and movements both during the war and after the peace agreement. Now we work closely with the new regional authorities under the goverment of South Sudan established after the peace agreement in 2005.

Our focus in South Sudan is long term development. We will contribute to support the peace agreement so that the people of Southern Sudan will experience progress and a better life also after the interim period runs out in 2011. For a lasting peace in Sudan requires that regular people have political freedom and access to the land they are dependent on.