Tough hill to climb

South Sudan is preparing to establish itself as an independent country. However, the separation will not solve all its inherent problems. After independence, the new country will face a series of challenges.

The first challenge will be how to handle relations with the north. Though the north and the south have major social, economic and cultural differences, their strong link and dependence will not be severed by a referendum.

Issues ranging from border demarcation and determination of citizenship to the sharing of oil revenue and Nile River water resources call for negotiation between the two sides during the transition period.

South Sudan's oil output accounts for 70 percent of the country's total. And 98 percent of South Sudan's government revenue comes from oil. But oil export pipelines and major oil refineries are in the north. Therefore, oil will become a bone of contention. But it will also provide an opportunity for continuous cooperation, which should lead to mutual benefits.

Economic development is another tough task for South Sudan. This issue will determine whether it can stand firmly as an independent nation after separation. South Sudan has very little industry, miserable infrastructure and a poor transportation system. Also, its educational system is skeletal, with poor facilities and a high illiteracy rate. It wouldn't be surprising if, after separation, South Sudan became the poorest country on the African continent.

South Sudan also needs to strengthen political cohesion. It has many political parties, the most powerful of which is the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, and it remains to be seen if they can all keep in step with each other while competing for their own interests after separation.

Complex ethnic and religious conflicts will also be a big challenge. Most of the tribal people in South Sudan believe in indigenous religions. Although Christians account for less than one fifth of the total population in South Sudan, they dominate the autonomous government and are supported by Western countries. It is essential for South Sudan to resolve conflicts among different tribes and religions.