South Sudan, Africa’s Newest State: Challenges, Prospects and Lessons for South Africa

South Sudan achieved independence on 9 July 2011 after more than six years of practising the art of statecraft under its semi-autonomous status as prescribed by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). The CPA ended almost 22 years of armed conflict between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). Though the various international law provisions have been adhered to by the South Sudanese political elites, there are concerns that South Sudan may not be able to exercise its full sovereign rights in view of the bellicose activities of the North government along its border. This policy brief examines the threats to South Sudan’s independence and its sovereignty. The prospects for the South Sudan state are daunting, considering that it is land locked and is surrounded by an ‘enemy’ state. The policy brief also looks at how South Africa can support the new state and learn from its resilience in the face of difficulties and threats.