The Birth of a New Country

Sudanese Referendum

Greetings readers. So I am jumping straight in with a South Sudan update. As I write this entry the Medair team based here in Melut is listening to the results of the South Sudanese Referendum results on the radio.

There is no need to rush though because announcing each dignitaries title is taking about 5 minutes. His Excellency, General, Right honorable, Dr, Reverend…

A croaky voice explains that the CPA is meaningless without the peoples right to self-determination. The right to choose between unity and separation.

Voting took place in North Sudan, South Sudan, and eight countries outside of Sudan. Many Sudanese fled the country during the conflict, becoming refugees.

So the South Sudanese voting went as follows. Some of the figures may not be accurate because the Nile House became very noisy with excited Sudanese staff.

TOTAL
South Sudan 3,770,600 registered, 3,724,194, 99% of registered voted
Unity total 16,000 0.42%
Separation 3,697,467 99.57%

 Central Equitoria, Voted 469,000, 98.9% voted for separation
 Eastern Equitoria, Voted 463,406, 99.95%
 Jongelei, Voted 430,056, 99.9%
 Lakes, Voted, 299,040, 98.9%
 Northern Baharezal, Voted 382,049, 99.9%
 Unity State, Voted 498,231, 99.98%
 Upper Nile, Voted 347,319, 99.48%
 Warrap, Voted 469,698, 99.9%
 Western Baherezal, Voted 492,594, 95.5%
 Western Equitoria, Voted 214,031, 99.52%

TOTAL
Northern Sudan 116,857 registered 69,780, 67% of registered voted
Unity 22,329 32%
Separation 40,472 58%

TOTAL
Out of Sudan Countries
Unity 1%
Separation 99%

Out of Sudan
 Australia – 97%, 99% for separation
 Canada – 97%, 99% for separation
 Kenya – 99%, 100% for separation
 Uganda – 93% voted, 96% for separation
 UK – 98% voted, 98% separation
 USA – 97% voted, 99% separation
 Egypt – 97% voted, 98% separation
 Ethiopia – 98% voted, 100% separation


They send their thanks to El’Bashir (Northern President), and their own Salva Kir (Vice President).

Grand Totals Announced at 10.45am, Sunday 30th January 2011
 23% Unity
 77% Separation

After 50 years of conflict, we see the emergence of two states, and Africa’s 54th and youngest country. The speaker explains that the North and South will forever be joined geographically and historically, leaving their mark on civilization and history in sight and view from the whole world. They are descendants of common ancestors. These bonds are insoluble and will not dissipate; they will continue to transcend lines. The country must now arrange their affairs, economic, political, borders and forge constitutional ties to preserve these bonds.

For the time being, it falls to the Southerners to solve the problems ahead. This is Self-Determination. They will have six months to address these issues before the separation is recognized.

Following Thoughts

Following the final announcement, we sat around the Nile House dinner table (mess room) congratulating our Sudanese staff, and joking with them and the Kenyan staff about the out of country voting. Kenya, 100% for separation, and the UK only 98% for separation.

In Juba there was traditional dancing and singing until late into the evening. I was reminded of my parents involvement in the anti-apartheid campaigns in South Africa. They celebrated Nelson Mandela’s freedom and later his inauguration as the first democratically elected President of South Africa. We still have the newspaper cutting on our wall at home, 9th May 1994.

“Perhaps it was history that ordained that it be here, at the Cape of Good Hope that we should lay the foundation stone of our new nation.”

“Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud.”

“The time for the healing of the wounds has come.
The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come.
The time to build is upon us.”
- Nelson Mandela 1994

There are many similarities between 1994 South Africa and 2011 Sudan, none greater then the realization of single moment in history. This is the hope of a bend in the road? This is the hope for a new story?

I wonder if my generation will ever encounter a moment of equivalent gravity. In search of such purpose, maybe our existing challenges should be taken more seriously. Climate change, energy crisis, broken families, broken hearts, world food deficit, population boom, and natural resource stretch. What calls out to you? Which makes you angry? Why does it make you sad?

Joanne (my girlfriend) emailed me a week after arriving in Thailand laden with tears, anger and frustration with the awful state of the disability wards. Should these emotions be traversed? Should she come home? Or, should we open our eyes, and remind ourselves that these emotions are products of Compassion… and what higher purpose is there?

It is natural for you to feel like a drop in the ocean, and that your efforts are inadequate. Your fear of failure should not restrict your endeavor to achieve. Remember, it is not that you succeeded; it is that you tried to succeed.

I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.”
- Nelson Mandela, 1995

Smiley face and banana cake

Greetings friends, family and people who are bored at work!!
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. I hope your break was enjoyable.

So I am currently sat in the Medair team house in Nairobi after a beautiful day in Nairobi National Park, stroking Cheetah's and learning the difference between Black and White Rhino's. Tomorrow morning I will be returning to Juba, then on to Melut on Tuesday. This entry will not have much technical content, it is mainly my thoughts on returning.

Sun to Snow, then Girlfriends Go

Three weeks ago, on a cold, winter morning, my Dad collected me from Heathrow Terminal 5. Miles of fields flashed by, sleeping beneath a white duvet of snow reminding me that I was not in Africa anymore. Questions, fears had been running through my head, how would I react with the contrast of basic need to excessive living? Would Joanne and I be ok?

The moment the sweet sweet drop of orange juice touched my lips, all my fears were gone. Seconds later, Joanne walked in, more beautiful then ever with her deep eyes like dark coca cola pools.

Joanne and I were inseperable over the coming weeks, similar to a ball and chain, but more like salt and pepper. Never appreciated quite as much when they are not together. We were blessed to spend so much time with friends an family. Enjoying a WILD new year - me making Joanne Pizza, and Joanne making Profiteroles, then watching the London fireworks with a cup of tea. Happy days!

On the 12th of January I watched Joanne walk through the departures gate and swiftly get stopped, as they unpacked her bag knickers and all. Very funny!

Both feeling positive, I believe the prospect of 8 months apart is enough to dampen our spirits in the coming months.

Looking ahead to the coming rotation, I feel excited to be re-united with the team and keen to get started on the projects with a new energy. It has been fantastically encouraging hearing peoples support for the work Medair are doing, and reminds me what a privelidge it is to serve others in this part of the world.

Until next time, blessings and keep well.