Welcome to DailyUpdownalv! Sudan, once Africa’s largest country with an area of approximately 2.55 million square kilometers, was divided into two nations in 2011. The northern part is now the Republic of Sudan, while the southern part became the Republic of South Sudan. What caused this division of an Islamic country, and what roles did oil and religion play in this separation?
Historical Context and Colonial Influence
Historically, the division of Sudan has strong roots in colonial times. At the start of the 19th century, Sudan was under Egyptian control, and by the late 1800s, Egypt had become a British colony. In 1899, Sudan was established as a condominium, jointly governed by Britain and Egypt. During this period, northern Sudan had a majority Arab Muslim population, while southern Sudan was home to predominantly non-Muslim African tribes.
After gaining condominium status, northern Sudan quickly recognized British authority. However, the British faced strong resistance in the south, dedicating most of their resources to suppress it. Consequently, colonial governance differed between the two regions. In the north, modernization and infrastructure development were implemented, whereas in the south, such development was largely neglected due to resistance.
Religious and Social Divide
In 1922, the British imposed movement restrictions between northern and southern Sudan, aiming to prevent the spread of Islamic influence to the south. Meanwhile, Christian missionaries were active in converting local African tribes. These policies drew a clear line between the north and south, deepening the divide over decades.
When Britain prepared to leave Sudan in 1956, two key issues emerged: whether Sudan would be a federal or unitary state, and whether it would be a secular or Islamic country. Southern politicians sought greater provincial autonomy to protect local rights, while northern politicians resisted any system granting significant independence to the south. Religious differences also fueled tensions—northern Sudan aimed to establish an Islamic state, whereas the south, predominantly Christian and adhering to African traditional religions, favored secular governance.
Civil Wars and Partial Autonomy
After independence, political instability escalated. Northern Sudanese forces used military power to control southern rebels, leading to civil war. The Addis Ababa Agreement of 1972 ended the first civil war, granting partial autonomy to southern Sudan and incorporating these terms into Sudan’s first permanent constitution.
However, peace was short-lived. In 1983, President Jaafar Nimeiri introduced Sharia law nationwide, revoking southern autonomy. This sparked the second civil war, with oil-rich southern territories at the center of conflict. For two decades, around 2 million people died, and 4 million were displaced.
Peace Agreement and Independence
The Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 ended the prolonged civil war, granting southern Sudan autonomy for six years and allowing a referendum in 2011 to decide whether it would remain part of Sudan or become independent. Revenue-sharing was agreed upon, with 2% of oil revenue going to oil-producing provinces and the remaining 98% split equally between the north and south.
In the January 2011 referendum, 99% of South Sudanese voted for independence. On July 9, 2011, six months after the referendum, South Sudan officially emerged as a separate country, reducing Sudan’s territory to 1.861 million square kilometers with a population of approximately 45 million, while South Sudan’s area became 644,000 square kilometers with 11.1 million people.
Ongoing Issues
Despite independence, many issues remain unresolved. The Abyei region, home to oil reserves, is contested, and disputes exist over other border areas like the Blue Nile and Nuba Mountains. Both nations face internal conflicts—Sudan in Darfur and South Sudan among opposition groups—and economic challenges, relying heavily on agriculture, gold, and petroleum exports in the north, and oil exports in the south.
For more insights on Sudan and South Sudan, visit Daily UpDown.
References:
FAQs
Q1: Why did Sudan split into two countries?
A1: Sudan split due to long-standing religious, ethnic, and political differences, combined with disputes over autonomy and oil resources.
Q2: When did South Sudan gain independence?
A2: South Sudan became independent on July 9, 2011, following a referendum in which 99% of voters chose separation from Sudan.
Q3: What role did oil play in Sudan’s division?
A3: Oil was a significant factor. Most of Sudan’s oil reserves were in the south, making resource-sharing a central issue in negotiations and conflicts.
Q4: Are Sudan and South Sudan still in conflict?
A4: Yes, both countries continue to face border disputes and internal conflicts, including issues in Abyei, the Blue Nile, and the Nuba Mountains.
Q5: How did colonial powers influence Sudan’s division?
A5: British and Egyptian colonial policies reinforced regional and religious divides, with the north being modernized and the south neglected, setting the stage for future conflicts.