ACT NOW: No dictator debt for South Sudan

At the start of 2011, the people of South Sudan voted to become the world’s newest nation. But there is a danger that South Sudan could inherit some of the North's $35 billion of dictator debt.

Take action below to ask UK Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell, to help prevent South Sudan being born into debt.

Voters turn out in large numbers in Juba, capital of South Sudan, on the first day of polling (UN Photo/Tim McKulka)

Sudan's debt

South Sudan is due to become independent in July, and negotiations are taking place right now on what should happen to Sudan’s more than $35 billion of debt. Much of Sudan’s debt comes from loans to the dictator Gaarfar Nimeiry in the 1970s and 1980s, when the country was a Western ally in the Cold War. Read more >>

South Sudan may inherit some of this debt as part of the political settlement with the North over independence. If this happens, under existing debt cancellation schemes, South Sudan may have to:

• wait several years for the debts to be cancelled, making 'repayments' in the mean time.
• take out new loans to make these repayments, which will not be cancelled.
• implement IMF and World Bank conditions, which have a history of undermining democracy and increasing poverty.

In addition, there are fears that South Sudan may not even 'qualify' to have this debt cancelled, despite it being run up oppressing the people of South Sudan.

Take action!

Please write to Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell, and ask him to ensure that any dictator debt South Sudan inherits is immediately and unconditionally cancelled.