South Sudanese Vouch For Separation

South Sudanese women are advocating for separation of the semi-autonomous region in the January referendum.

An elderly woman in Wau waves a ‘good bye’ gesture to North Sudan.

Speaking to Gurtong in the Western Bahr el Ghazal State capital Wau, the elderly women recalled the devastating effects of the almost 3-decade civil war in the Sudan.

They said that by voting for unity, South Sudanese will continue being second class citizens in their own country.

The women expressed optimism that South Sudan will separate, saying unity would further enhance ‘mega slavery to their husbands and children’.

They said that unity of the Sudan has never been attractive since independence, adding that the post-CPA period has not seen much change neither.

The women, however, expressed their fears that North Sudan might not recognise the referendum outcome and resort to unethical means to nullify the vote.

Women and children bore the brunt of the civil war, with many missing out on education and equal opportunities.

The January referendum is part of the final implementation of the 2005 peace deal and South Sudanese will have the opportunity to choose between separation and unity.

The huge turnout of voters to register for the January vote is a clear sign that South Sudanese are determined to produce Africa’s newest state come January 2011.