By Halle Jørn Hanssen, Oslo, Norway
Book Review – Lives at Stake: South Sudan During Liberation Struggle, by Halle Jørn Hanssen
The beautiful beginning
December 22, 2017 (SSB) — On 9th of July 2011 the people of South Sudan gathered to celebrate their new won independence and freedom. State leaders from many African countries, heads of governments, foreign ministers, UN top officials and other dignitaries from all over world were gathered in Juba to take part in the celebrations.
Statements of well wishes and international support for the development of the newest state in Africa came in abundance. Hardly ever were so many statements of goodwill for a new state heard. SPLM and its Chairman, Salva Kiir as a candidate for the Presidency, had in the elections that took place in 2010 secured an overwhelming majority. The people had trust in their liberators.
There were many hurdles and shortcomings to be overcome for SPLM and the new government with President Salva Kiir at the helm. Lack of experience in governance, lack of infrastructure, lack of schools and primary health centres, and a population ravaged by a long liberation war, poor and vastly illiterate.
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