| Now that the euphoria of independence celebrations have abated, it's time for South Sudan to roll up its sleeves and get down to business. That business is to put a country that has experienced Africa's longest running civil war, back on its feet. For the world's newest nation this is a challenge of monumental proportions.
Having the freedom to chart their own destiny means that hope now springs eternal in South Sudanese hearts. The new nation's Housing and Physical Planning Minister Jemma Nunu Kumba summed it up when she said, "I would rather be free under a tree than a slave in a skyscraper."
But freedom alone cannot build a nation. The international community must come to party in a collective show of goodwill. This process has been boosted by the recognition of South Sudan as the 193rd member of the United Nations. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said that for South Sudan to realize its potential will require a full and on-going engagement with the international community and, most especially, its own neighbors.
These neighbors, members of the East African Community (EAC), are also vital in ensuring regional peace in the wake of the birth of South Sudan. Experts suggest one way of achieving this is for South Sudan to downsize the threat of its massive military machine, which needs to be more effectively utilized in peacetime. When it joins the EAC, the collective security provided by the EAC member states could mean that South Sudan can redeploy its military engineers and other technical personnel to build much needed infrastructure like roads and bridges.
In addition South Sudan's surrounding countries, like Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Tanzania, have for decades shouldered the responsibility of hosting thousands of refugees who escaped the conflicts in southern Sudan. These people, many of them skilled, need to return and help to develop the country's physical infrastructure and build up its human resources. Their talents are needed now as currently only 25 percent of the country is literate – coupled with the fact that almost 70 percent of the population is under 30. A broken education and healthcare system need urgent attention.
Rifts that run between a mostly Arab north and African south are bound to continue after independence. However there are opportunities for the two sides to cooperate. South Sudan's massive oil reserves depend on pipelines in the north for distribution. A need exists to ensure both countries benefit economically from the oil supplies while maximizing the flow. If this cooperation is not reached conflict for control of the oilfields is inevitable. The EAC and AU are key to resolving the oil issue.
Another area where the two Sudans can cooperate is in the field of agriculture. Arab herders in the north require access to grazing land in the south. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that only 16 percent of Sudan's arable land (three times the size of the United Kingdom) is being used. Developing agriculture is a way to help the economy move away from its dependence on oil and investment from foreign companies is actively being pursued in this regard.
Foreign assistance is a must. After independence South Sudan has broken free of the sanctions imposed by the United States on Sudan. USAID will hold a conference this year to approach American investors. The United Nations and European Union should also prepare to assist with infrastructure and provide the funds to help pay for the country's services and civil servants.
As part of the international community China has been investing in the south of Sudan since 2005 and provided infrastructure in the form of roads and dams over the past six years. China established diplomatic relations with South Sudan on its independence day and has long provided political support for the Sudanese peace process.
On the face of it South Sudan's potential and the goodwill being shown both regionally and internationally outweighs the country's dark past. It is time that the people have a chance to live a normal life.
The Editor | 
