The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), at a July 9 event marking the first anniversary of South Sudan's independence, examined the progress to date made by the world's newest sovereign nation as well as the major challenges it faces in internal security, tense relations with Sudan, development and establishing effective democratic governance with respect for freedoms.

USIP hosted Ambassador Princeton Lyman, the U.S. special envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, and Ambassador Dhanojak Obongo, the charge d' affaires of the Embassy of South Sudan in Washington. Jon Temin, director of USIP's South Sudan and Sudan programs, moderated the program, "South Sudan: Beyond the First Year."

Lyman lauded South Sudan's achievements, including an interim constitution, investment laws, the promised demobilization of all child soldiers and improvements in immunization and maternal mortality. But Lyman noted that, with military conflicts along the border with Sudan, South Sudanese hopes for a "peace dividend" after decades of civil war have so far been frustrated, with more rapid development of the impoverished nation a casualty.

Lyman also called on Juba, South Sudan's capital, to further institutionalize basic freedoms, such as freedom of the press, and to engage in "a transparent and inclusive permanent constitutional review process." He also urged Juba to crack down on corruption and to negotiate an agreement with Khartoum, Sudan's capital, on oil sector management—a dispute that led Juba to shut down oil production in January.

That dramatic move has cut off most of the government's revenue, exacerbating humanitarian and economic problems. "Without oil revenue, many development projects now on the books will be delayed and many basic services will be cut back," he said. "They [South Sudan and Sudan] have got to be talking to one another." The U.S. special envoy expressed concern about the persistence of the oil dispute, which he linked to a "very dangerous attitude": "Each side thinks the other is more vulnerable. It's a kind of mutual economic suicide approach."

Lyman said that both South Sudan and Sudan should "seek not merely a cold peace, but rather an entirely new chapter in the relationship. We ask what is difficult—to choose patience and pragmatism over vengeance and apathy.

Obongo, for his part, said of the country's first year: "We [achieved] a lot as a government."  asserted that Sudan, which shares oil pipeline infrastructure with South Sudan, had been stealing oil before the January shutdown and that South Sudan acted after concluding that "enough is enough." Obongo said South Sudan is "open about compromise" and engaged in negotiations with Sudan over the issue.

On corruption problems, Obongo acknowledged that "this is a reality" but added, "We have a policy of zero tolerance." Looking ahead, Obongo called South Sudan's future "very bright," but he noted as a nation that was launched with minimal roads, schools and health care and other infrastructure, "South Sudan is literally being built from scratch."

USIP has been actively working in South Sudan since before its birth as a nation on July 9, 2011. USIP is helping to build that nation's capacities related to conflict management and to develop needed institutions through a range of projects:

• Sudd Institute: USIP is supporting the establishment of the Sudd Institute, a policy institute based in Juba that will focus on security sector, justice and rule of law issues. Sudd formally launched in May. 

• Police-Civil Society Dialogues: USIP has been providing training to South Sudan police officials along with civil society representatives in the techniques of facilitated dialogue. After these training workshops, USIP supports regular security-civil society meetings in local communities that aim to improve trust-building and the management of tension during times of acute social stress.

• Grazing Corridors: USIP is working with local peace committees along the border between South Sudan and Sudan. Peace committees have long functioned as an important conflict prevention and resolution mechanism. This USIP initiative focuses on the grazing corridors used by pastoralists and aims to resolve such conflicts as cattle raids as well as to coordinate grazing.

• Constitution Development: USIP is continuing to monitor the development of a permanent constitution in South Sudan that is inclusive and transparent and embraces wide public participation.

Explore Further

• First Anniversary of the Independence of South Sudan
• "South Sudan: Is There a Need for a New Vision"
• On the Issues: USIP’S Specialists on South Sudan
• Listen to the audio recording of the event