South Sudan Votes to Secede from Sudan

by Jordan Yerman | January 19, 2011 at 04:16 pm

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South Sudan Votes for Secession: Could Become Newest African Nation

The referendum for South Sudan's independence has passed with an overwhelming simple majority, with some districts voting 99% in favor of secession. South Sudan is hoping for a "velvet divorce" after 50 years of armed conflict with the North.

An official result is ecpected in early February, and South Sudan could become independent as early as July 2011. If South Sudan becomes an independent nation, Juba would be its capital.

South Sudan Vote Looms

Votes in the 97-99% range are normally eyebrow-raising, but, in this case, fall in line with expectations. The vote for independence, which has been approved by international observers, was part of the 2005 cease-fire deal. Ahead of the vote, pro-secession banners touted the move as the "last march to freedom" for South Sudan.

Southern leaders have urged people from the oil-producing territory to wait until official figures due in early February before celebrating, for fear of antagonising the north.

The final result, which will set south Sudan on the path to recognition as the world's newest state in July, is not expected before next month. That will come after the state results have been collated at regional level and added to those of southerners who voted in the north or in eight countries of the diaspora.

One area of contention is Abyei, which could either remain part of Sudan, or become part of South Sudan:

On the issue of Abyei, an area which straddles northern and southern Sudan and which had its own referendum on whether to join the north or south delayed, the Council voiced concern about violence that occurred there during the referendum period as well as the area's future.