Why Does South Sudan Need So Much Help?

From its independence in 1956 until 2005, Sudanese were caught in ongoing civil warfare between the north and south, resulting in extreme violence and devastation, and what humanitarian organizations call a "lost generation."

Due to its war-torn past, the country lacks almost every part of what modern society considers a necessity: access to basic health care services, educational opportunities, electricity and infrastructure, a working economy, and most of all - clean water.  The country is rebuilding, but is starting from almost nothing. One recent report indicated there were no more than six miles of paved roads in all of South Sudan.

The South Sudanese do want to help themselves, but have so little to work with.  WHI serves to assist: Our core mission of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ helps build the moral fabric of society and over the long term will deter devastating acts such as war, corruption, alcoholism, polygamy, adultery, and tribalism, which have devastated African communities for decades.  To learn more about how WHI empowers the locals we work with, and the communities we drill for, explore our site.

What went so wrong?

 

The First and Second Sudanese Civil Wars were responsible for the deaths of 2.5 million Sudanese and the displacement of over 4 million others.

While the North/South war formally ended with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 and the creation a semi-autonomous southern government, years of serious neglect, lack of infrastructure and development, and major destruction and displacement have left the South Sudanese with little in the way of basic needs for survival. Currently, a provisional government is in place, however there is little concerted effort on behalf of the South and North Sudanese government to help their people due to tribal allegiances, factions, and corruption. In 2011 a national referendum will be held in Sudan where the Sudanese in the South will vote to either stay or become removed from the autonomous government of North Sudan. From 2005 until the referendum there has been and will continue to be an incredible opportunity for mission groups like WHI to be involved in Christian communcal development in South Sudan.