The United Nations and the birth of South Sudan

The Republic of South Sudan declared its independence on July 9, and became the 193rd member of the United Nations on July 14, 2011. It was obviously a joyous occasion for South Sudan, but probably a sad day for the Republic of Sudan, which now lost about one-third of its territory with 80% of its oil wealth.

The international community wishes a permanent peace between the two states, between northern Sudan and South Sudan, but it is not clear yet whether a permanent peace will prevail in the East African region. There are lingering questions between the two states as to the future status of Abyei, Southern Kordofan, and Blue Nile areas, as well as on issues of oil revenue sharing and border demarcation. In addition, it is uncertain whether the dominant religions of the two states—Christianity and Islam—can cooperate for a lasting peace.

Moreover, the U.N.’s involvement in Sudan will not end any time soon. In fact, the occasion marked a new beginning for the U.N. peacekeeping forces in the region. On July 8, the Security Council created a new U.N. peacekeeping force called U.N. Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) under SC Resolution 1996, ending the mandate of the U.N. Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), which was established in March 2005 under SC Resolution 1590 to implement the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the North and South. The personnel and equipments of the UNMIS will be transferred to UNMISS and the U.N. Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). Perhaps, the U.N.’s role in the region may get more complicated and difficult.

John H. Kim serves U.N. Representative of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation and the Fellowship of Reconciliation (USA) at the U.N. headquarters in New York City.