Sudan
Essentially, it's religion at play here. The conflict: There's been
two civil wars in 1956 and 1983 between a predominantly Arab Islamic
North and a Non-Muslim South (Animist and Christian). Not to forget,
it's been only six decades-and a few years- since the independence of
Sudan itself. About a year ago South Sudan left Sudan putting an end to
the civil war. But, things are far from normal. South Sudan is rich in
oil
with an output of 350,000 barrels per day, in other words, three
quarters of a united Sudan's oil output. Naturally, Sudan still has a
bad South Sudan hangover. In January, South Sudan shut off its oil
production. Ask why? The landlocked country had disagreements over fees
to be paid to the North for oil exports through Sudan to the Red Sea
port. Rather a bold move, one has to say, as South Sudan depends on oil
for up to 98 percent of its state revenue. Well, sadly, the new
country didn't have money to buy food or medicine, thus. Last month,
both the countries decided to resume exports from South Sudan after an
interim agreement. But, according to the Finance Minister of South
Sudan, the country would be able to pump only at about seventy per cent
of its capacity. A development, nevertheless, even if it takes three
months for the oil to reach the Red Sea Terminal at Port Sudan. Also,
both the countries have agreed for further talks, which is a good sign.
Still, the road ahead is long, so are the problems
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