A new chapter is set to be written in Africa’s political landscape as a referendum to decide on whether southern Sudan becomes independent or remains united with the north looms. This is in line with the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that granted southern Sudan a six-year period of administrative autonomy after which the population is to decide in a referendum to stay united or secede.

Already, global attention is set on Sudan as political analysts warn that post-referendum chaos could drag back the region to a colossal humanitarian catastrophe that will have far reaching adverse effects on the neighbouring countries.

At a time when the continent is pursuing integration and stability, dismissing the wishes of the electorate coupled with failure to ensure equitable distribution of natural resources only serves to spur secession and curse of ‘power-sharing’ that is fast spreading across Africa. Consequently, the leaders and people of Sudan have an onerous opportunity to prove the critics of doom wrong during the impending historic vote. Shunning the short term emotionally charged thinking as well as coercion from external groups with vested interests, it is critical that the people of Sudan maintain sobriety, uphold peace and put the long term stability and prosperity of Sudan in focus in their vote.

As stake-holders of the outcome, [we] Africans wish all the people of Sudan peace and prosperity.