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06/08/2009

It is four years since a peace treaty ended the war between North and South Sudan. Grant Ferrett reports from the impoverished south of the country on the lack of economic progress.

Four years after a peace deal was signed between the predominantly Muslim North of Sudan and the mainly Christian South, Assignment asks whether the bloody civil war really could resume in Africa鈥檚 biggest country.

While the world's attention has been focused on the western Sudanese region of Darfur, the south has been struggling to establish itself as a viable self-governing state.

In the Southern capital, reporter Grant Ferrett discovers that the region鈥檚 oil income is being spent on defence and security, rather than schools and hospitals.

Despite the years of peace, the region has 90% illiteracy among women, the world鈥檚 lowest recorded rate of child vaccination, and the highest rate for deaths in pregnancy.

Internal disputes have repeatedly flared into violence in recent months.

And to add to the volatile atmosphere, a referendum in the south on whether to become independent is due to be held in 18 months.

But with most of Sudan's oil wealth located in the south, will the north allow it to break away?

Producer: Andy Denwood, NCA Manchester.

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25 minutes

Last on

Sun 9 Aug 2009 09:05GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 6 Aug 2009 08:05GMT
  • Thu 6 Aug 2009 12:05GMT
  • Thu 6 Aug 2009 19:05GMT
  • Fri 7 Aug 2009 00:05GMT
  • Sun 9 Aug 2009 09:05GMT

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