The article I chose is about Sudan
reopening its borders with South Sudan. Sudan President Omar al-Bashir has
recently agreed to reopen all land, air and water borders in an attempt to
start peace between the two countries. South Sudan had been at civil war with Sudan
for 20 years until 2005 when they came to a peace agreement. In 2011, South
Sudan gained its independence from Sudan. Though South Sudan succeeded from
Sudan, the two nations still have constant disputes. During the recent meeting
between the Sudan and South Sudan President, the two agreed to resume oil
exports and set up a demilitarized zone. This partial peace agreement was influenced
by “international pressure, from the likes of the United nations and the
African union, to resolve their disputes and come to a lasting agreement.” The
peace agreement was not able to settle the dispute over the border region of
Abyei, which both countries claim as their territory. Even with the recent
peace negotiations, fighting and violence continues between Sudan and South
Sudan. Just last week four peacekeepers from the African Union and United
Nations were killed in an ambush with eight others injured.
I chose this article because it
shows the constant struggle many African nations have with border disputes, resources,
violence and stability. After the end of the colonization era, African nations
were left with uncertain borderlines. Countries that once had natural resources
didn’t have access to them anymore. Certain ethnic groups wanted their own
independent government. This started many wars, including the Sudan and South
Sudan civil war. This article also shows the international pressure that is put
on African nations. Much of Africa relies on foreign aid and international
support to keep its countries afloat. To receive this aid, African countries
including Sudan and South Sudan have to listen to international demands or face
sanctions. This partial peace agreement is a huge step for peace between Sudan
and South Sudan. However, I believe the violence will not end until the
disputed region of Abyei is settled. Policymakers should divide the region
between the two nations and with international pressure, Sudan and South Sudan
will comply. The reopening of the borders is important because it shows the
power of negotiations over war and the progress Africa is making for stability.
Article: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/10/07/world/africa/sudan-borders/index.html?hpt=iaf_c2
I agree with You, the way forward for this two countries is to forget the past settle the disputes and focus on rebuilding. I wouldn't however say that to receive aid they have to listen to international demands. I do not have anything against aid if only the intention was to assist people. What good does it make if this aid is going to hurt people more than help them? I think that the issue is complex. The only thing that will help developing countries participate in world economy is if things lending agencies take into account lessons learnt and involve more on peace negotiations rather than self interests.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of you that many of the border disputes stem from the colonial period and in order to have peace the past needs to be forgotten but I think that is easier said than done. However, I disagree with the comment above. Aid is a political tool used by almost every country for one reason or another. Some countries use aid to gain natural resources and others for support with in the UN. African countries do rely on aid which does effect their government, policies, and votes in the international community. I am also can concern with the idea of just splitting the Abyei region between the two nations. African leaders established that borders wouldn't change after independence and that would be going against that. In addition, there would be a lot of consequences of dividing that region like breaking up families, etc. Also, how and who would decide what part goes to what country?
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