SouthSudan is a young country that came into being in July 2011. The independence of South Sudan has marked the end of civil war that had occupied the region for decades. Despite of joys in streets, running a new country is a big challenge. The South Sudan government is very much passionate and committed to promote economic development and growth. It is pursuing partnerships and encouraging existing business leaders to come forward and explore the opportunities present in this newest economy.
Before the South Sudan considers its economic development, one of the biggest challenges is to settle its people who suffered during the course of independence. The conflicts in certain areas of Sudan are still going on. According to aid agencies, over 300,000 people are reported to be displaced. It needs huge supports and donations from NGOs and other donors to fight this major displacement crisis.
Oxfam America, a major international aid agency is playing an active role in South Sudan. Noah Gottschalk, an advisor of Oxfam America states that
“He was pleased support for agriculture was seen as key to the future of South Sudan in terms of achieving food security but food security is impossible without physical security, and South Sudan’s agriculture sector will not meet its enormous potential as long as communities across the country continue to live in fear of violence”
This statement by Noah Gottschalk shows that to get the South Sudan on proper track of development, it is very necessary to improve the peace position. Unless the violence prevails, it is very hard to meet the challenges.
According to World Food Program (WFP), there are about 2.7 million people in SouthSudan who are short of food. According to an estimate, almost $92 million will be required to meet the food requirements in the first four months of 2012. The situation is stated in the following statement of the director of World Food Program,
“A gathering storm of hunger is approaching South Sudan, caused by crop failure and market disruption. Food prices have already doubled or tripled in some areas, leaving hundreds of thousands of young children vulnerable to malnutrition at a key developmental stage of their young lives.”
Besides hunger and peace, another important challenge that South Sudan needs to overcome urgently is skill development. There is immediate need of skilled and educated workers who can run the government. The current literacy rate in South Sudan is only 27%, which means it has a long way to meet this challenge.
All this shows that it will take years to establish the South Sudan. NGOs all over the world have to contribute in the development of South Sudan. In order for prosperous and peaceful future of South Sudan, NGOs have to reach to the vulnerable communities and provides them resources to get them on the track of development. A proper framework should be designed to promote social justice. NGOs should coordinate with government and collaborate in projects for social and economic development. With the joint efforts of people and government of South Sudan and NGOs, we can expect its prosperous future.
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