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The extraordinary fall of Tunisia’s President Zein al-Abidine Ben Ali has obscured another important drama thousands of kilometres to the south-east that could also have a wide impact on the Arab world.
The expected “yes” vote in southern Sudan’s just-concluded referendum on independence will give other leaders in North Africa and the Middle East plenty to think about on subjects ranging from ethnic separatism to resource control – and the wisdom of authoritarianism.
Some of the ideas behind the proposed Sudanese secession are likely to intrigue other Arab and non-Arab groups in the wider region, who – even if they are not seeking independence – do not feel fully part of their states or are simply angry with their governments.
The Sudanese plebiscite is the culmination of a 2005 peace deal to end half a century of conflict between the mostly Arab Muslim north and the predominantly non-Arab south, where Christianity and animism hold sway.
Voting ended on Saturday and most analysts think the results due in a few weeks’ time will reveal an overwhelming majority in favour of independence. Officials in the Sudanese government in Khartoum appear to have accepted both the legitimacy of the process and the likelihood of a “yes” decision, which is envisaged to lead to the creation of an independent south in JulyRead More
The extraordinary fall of Tunisia’s President Zein al-Abidine Ben Ali has obscured another important drama thousands of kilometres to the south-east that could also have a wide impact on the Arab world.
The expected “yes” vote in southern Sudan’s just-concluded referendum on independence will give other leaders in North Africa and the Middle East plenty to think about on subjects ranging from ethnic separatism to resource control – and the wisdom of authoritarianism.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Bloodshed mars Sudan ballot - Jan-10
In depth: Sudan referendum - Jan-11
Global Insight: Sudanese vote - Jan-09
The Sudanese plebiscite is the culmination of a 2005 peace deal to end half a century of conflict between the mostly Arab Muslim north and the predominantly non-Arab south, where Christianity and animism hold sway.
Voting ended on Saturday and most analysts think the results due in a few weeks’ time will reveal an overwhelming majority in favour of independence. Officials in the Sudanese government in Khartoum appear to have accepted both the legitimacy of the process and the likelihood of a “yes” decision, which is envisaged to lead to the creation of an independent south in JulyRead More
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