South Sudan ceasefire before independence vote

Warring factions in southern Sudan have signed a permanent ceasefire in the run-up to a referendum that could lead to the formation of the world’s newest country.

The truce between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army and the last major guerilla group opposing the authorities is intended to ease tensions before Sunday’s independence vote.

David Grassley the head of the UN Mission’s Southern Sector in Sudan said: “It is not an accident. There is (sic) years and years of hard work that has gone into this. Tonight I think is just one more reflection of many, many steps that have been taken since 2005 when this peace agreement was signed.”

That accord in 2005 ended half a century of civil war in Sudan. Abyei, between north and south, is still in disputed territory and is the subject of its own referendum.

There is oil in the south, but it remains a poor region. Clashes involving tribal disputes and anti-government militias have raised fears that it might struggle to go it alone.

And if they do decide to breakaway they still have to find a name for the African Union’s 54th member state.

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