[Malual Kon, Bahr el-Ghazal, Southern Sudan 42°C] Tomorrow morning, I leave Northern Bahr el-Ghazal and head south to Tonj county in Warrap State. Apparantly a more remote part of Southern Sudan. As I leave, I leave you here with a selection of photographs of places I’ve visited and people I’ve met while in the area. (I will add more soon)
A boy from the village of Warbek
A hand-dug well in the village of Warbek that does not provide sufficient water for its villagers.
Another hand-dug well in Warbek with just a few inches of water at the bottom.
Warbek boys pose for the camera.
A meeting under the village tree in Baac, Northern Bahr el-Ghazal.
A rehabilitated borehole pump in action at the village of Baac.
War Faj village elder.
Making bricks on building site of new elementary school in Mayen Ulem.
Inside Wedweil Women's Centre's temporary classroom.
I have had no fallout whatsoever as a result of the Canadian Medecins sans frontières staff abducted then released. Darfur is very far from here. Read my March 25 post for other ways that Southern Sudan may be affected by the NGO/humanitarian situation in Darfur. I do find myself practicing self-censorship but I think that is somehow unavoidable in many situations. The present government in Sudan has little tolerance of journalists and even less of criticism.
The people I’ve met in Southern Sudan have all been kind and welcoming. Sometimes ambivalent but rarely so. I don’t think I’ve shaken so many friendly hands in one month in all my life! Great people.
Great pix, Widge. Especially that last shot of the men — bitchin’!
Hi David:
Your blog is fascinating. I’m curious about whether you’ve had any fallout as a result of the recent abduction and subsequent release of a Canadian nurse in Sudan. Are you having to be careful about what questions you ask, how you blog, where you go, who you ask? Are you greeted with ambivalence or friendliness?