After five years of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and a unanimously positive vote in January's referendum, the Republic of South Sudan gained independence on 9th July. Independence follows over 22 years of protracted civil war and hardship for its people, and whilst enormous state building challenges are faced, independence provides a real opportunity to enhance livelihoods and reduce poverty.
As Africa's newest country, South Sudan's government will initiate a number of core functions, including managing its own macro-economy (including a currency and national debt), and raising its own customs and tax revenue. Some important gains have been made since 2005 in providing public goods and services (and building the systems to do so), but significant gaps remain and the South Sudanese inherit some of the lowest human development indicators on the planet.
That said South Sudan is in a fortunate position relative to other post-conflict countries, in that it has access to significant oil revenues; although careful management of such resources is needed to ensure development outcomes result. Efforts are also needed to improve systems for the collection of non-oil revenues and ensure reduced reliance on oil in the future.
Crown Agents has already been supporting the Government of South Sudan and international partners in the areas of public health, procurement and reform of public financial management. We look forward to continuing this engagement and using our international expertise to support the government with efforts to build core state functions and provide the services and infrastructure that meet the high expectations of the newly independent South Sudanese.