Country might split

Khartoum, Sudan

A breakthrough peace agreement may finally end the 19-year civil war that has killed 2 million people in Sudan. The rebel Sudanese People’s Liberation Army has been fighting for independence for the black Christian and animist peoples of the south, who are resisting the Arab-dominated government’s attempts to impose Islamic law. The new peace plan calls for a six-year period of self-government in the south, followed by a referendum on secession. A possible sticking point, though, is who will control the lucrative southern oil fields, currently the government’s main source of cash.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up