Negotiations between north and south

I’ve mentioned some of the internal issues that South Sudan faces as they move forward as the world’s newest nation. None of them will be easy to deal with, but the enthusiasm and pride of nationhood and the joint efforts of all the citizens dedicating themselves to making South Sudan a successful state, will very likely help.

What won’t be swayed by the newfound pride or enthusiasm are the issues that remain between north and south. This article from the Sudan Tribune addresses two very difficult and looming issues that still must be resolved.

And this article addresses the oft-overlooked issue of south Sudanese living, working, having a life in the north. What will become of them?   How will the NCP, the ruling party in Sudan and the SPLM, the opposition party, handle their citizenship?

It’s over issues like oil revenue sharing and Abyei where we’ll see the north’s commitment to peaceful resolution of issues with their new neighbor and the south’s ability to stand firm and fair.  It’s through addressing issues of southerners living in the north that we’ll see if the NCP and SPLM are willing to respect southerners as citizens of a sovereign nation and the authority of that nation.

But, is there one thing that north and south could do to help with all these negotiations? This article from the Christian Science Monitor suggests one way.  Invite women negotiators to the table!

Seems like the men in power in Sudan and South Sudan think that’s too radical an idea, but the article makes clear that it’s women who understand the day-to-day issues and have already been working together across any and all lines to mitigate the effects of the war as it’s been happening.

Maybe we can use this as the true test of the commitment of both countries to peace.