Sudanese expats divided over referendum

Sudanese nationals in Jeddah tend to be split in their views
about the vote. Some feel little hope anything positive will come out of it,
others are optimistic that something positive could come.
“A vote on separating Sudan is an evil plan, and a vote to
remain united could perhaps be worse because many people are suspecting renewed
armed conflicts could come as a result,” said Mohammed Abdullah, a shepherd.
“I personally hope that we remain united and that there is
no violence. Even if we were to split, I hope peace prevails,” he added.
Essam Fathallah, an electrician, blames both sides for the
current situation. “Me and my friends feel that there hasn’t been enough time
to work on uniting the country. It also seems that each party is bent on
ensuring its own agenda comes to the fore. The Sudan People's Liberation
Movement (SPLA) is adamant on a separation and it’s been using all of its
powers to get its vision across,” he said.
“Also, the government will probably never be keen to offer
concessions, even though that is a requirement for unity. Both parties,
therefore, bear the full responsibility. History will record the worst mishap in
Sudan’s political history,” he added.
“I am against the partition of Sudan,” said Mohamed Daawa, a
mechanic. “There will be no hope in unity after today’s vote. Plus, the
situation is no longer in the hands of the Sudanese. With direct international
intervention in the matter, real problems will start after separation,
especially since foreign groups are influencing matters,” he added.
When asked who might bear the responsibility in the event of
a secession of the south, Daawa said: “I personally was not present in their
meetings; there are many behind the scene events taking place which we will all
learn in history.”
Bakri Mohammed is expecting the opposite and feels that the
south will opt to remain united with the north. “There are multiple reasons for
this, the first of which is that in the past six years, we in the north and our
brothers in the south have become closer. A person from the south feels a true
sense of belonging to the homeland; all bad feelings and bitterness have gone,”
he said.
“Also, many families in the south have married into families
from the north; that’s a big improvement in my opinion,” he added.
However, Mohammad Faadallah feels that the country will
remain in conflict due to foreign intervention. “I don't think there are any
hopes left. Sudan's National Congress and the SPLA will realize the negative
results of making hasty decisions that in my view were made to create conflict.
The north and the south will face countless problems and foreign intervention
will continue. This is not a healthy environment for a peaceful country like
Sudan,” he said.