South Sudan: An Emerging Nation
South Sudan is an emerging, politically independent nation. It is a country divided into two separate entities—the North and the South—that share a common history and culture. Located on the southernmost portion of the African continent, it is the newest member of the United Nations and shares borders with Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and the Republic of the Congo.
A History of Conflict
The South has been involved in civil war on several occasions. The first one ended in 1972, when President Nimeiri granted the south considerable autonomy. This was a political success for the south, but he later reneged on the agreement and the conflict returned.
Since then, the south has experienced a cycle of military coups and civil wars. These conflicts have shaped much of Sudan's post-independence history.
Social Structure and Cultural Practices
A sense of belonging is strong in the south, based on age, social status, and family connections. People of older generations are viewed as wise and respected by their peers. Older people can be allowed to participate in high-level community meetings, go hunting, and perform cultural practices that younger generations cannot do.
Clothing is also an important part of South Sudanese culture, as it allows individuals to express their social status and wealth. Men and women wear thobes, which are long garments that wrap around the waist and have sleeves. They may be made from cotton, satin, polyester, jersey, or denim and are often worn for traditional wedding ceremonies.
Younger South Sudanese tend to dress more conservatively. They typically wear a head-covering scarf and a pair of loose pants. They often carry a purse with them to hold money and personal items.
The Culinary Delights of South Sudan
Food is also very important in South Sudan, with most meals focusing on meat, such as beef and lamb. Other meats include chicken and camel. Camel is considered to be the leanest red meat available, with a delicious taste and a high level of protein.
Another very popular dish is ful medames, which is usually made from fava beans. This is a simple, yet popular dish that is served with onions and bread.
The North-South Divide
The North-South divide is a major source of political and economic strife in the region. The North is angered by the secession of the south and its loss of territory, oil revenue, and diminished position within the larger Sudanese economy. The South is equally angry that the North refuses to allow a referendum in Abyei, a disputed border region, or implement other provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that would settle the issue.
The Importance of Reputation
Public disgrace can have a very serious impact on a person's social and economic status in the community, and can lead to a loss of social opportunities. Individuals often have a strong cultural pressure to protect their reputation, which can mean avoiding friends and family members who bring shame on their family name or shunning those who are accused of being bad.
