Since the dawn of Sudan independence in 1956 the Arab-Islamic Elite defined Sudan which is rich in diversity as an Arab and Islamic state. They introduced policies that did not reflect the reality of Sudan as a country full of ethnical, cultural, and religious diversity. These inconsistent policies introduced by the Arab-Islamic Elite marginalized the African Sudanese and excluded them from equal participation in state power; as a result Sudan experienced serious instability. The coming of the National Islamic Front to power in 1989 through a military coup further complicated the Sudan problem.
They declared holy war against non-Moslems, and started to implement the so called Islamic cultural program which was designed to Islamize the social, political, cultural, and economical life in Sudan. Many Sudanese had suffered the brutal policies of the National Islamic regime, until the recent signed peace agreement last January 2005. The recent comprehensive peace agreement was a turning point in the history of Sudan, but to the southern it was agreat redemption from the historical injustice they had suffered for a long time.
But again the entire southern Sudanese lost hope at the death of their leader Dr John Grang who died in a helicopter crash July 30th. Dr John was strong leader and agreat political thinker who fought for a new Sudan of equality, unity, and democratic transformation, his absence will affect the future of the south and Sudan as a whole. And may the almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace.

Micheal Doelbeit Bagad: Australia