The God fearing, Jesus loving people of South Sudan are finally free, independent and democratic as of July 9, 2011. After a hundred years of colonialism and fifty years of revolution there is finally peace. The peace will be fragile but if we and many others live up to our commitments it will be sustained. The potential for the newest nation in Africa is very huge. They have natural resources, oil, farmland and guaranteed hydration through the Nile river that make it a sure bet for economic success.

Gone are the days of atrocities such as Darfur. The rape and pillage of villages on a routine basis led by the ruthless President of the now North Sudan, Bashir the butcher. The people of South Sudan endured the biggest holocaust since World War II or Cambodia. It was because God blessed their land with some of the richest resources in the world that others wanted them out of the way. Now, they can begin to harvest these resources and build their fledging economy.

I want to formally thank the following: Joe Madison and his fellow activists who protested in front of the Sudan embassy and exposed the occurring atrocities; Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who devoted much of her precious time to make this historic event a reality and was tireless in her ambition for success-the American Consulate became the US Embassy on the very day of independence; President Obama who gave the authority to Secretary Clinton and supported all activity that encouraged this happy ending; the African Union which gave precious money and soldiers in defense of the people of South Sudan; the UN and others who showed their powerful support for peace and the creation of the new nation. Last but not least is the Congressional Black Caucus which was led by the noble efforts of the Honorable Don Payne, D-New Jersey. I am sure he smiled 24/7 while he participated in the ceremonies in Juba last Saturday.

What is also promising is the friendly welcoming of South Sudan’s neighbors. Led by Kenya other nations such as Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia have welcomed South Sudan into their economic development strategies. This region will move as one with well written and agreed upon plans for the future. Education, entrepreneurship and infrastructure building and agribusiness development will be the essentials to a successful future.

Yes, the United States which has made terrible diplomatic blunders throughout our young history played it right this time. China, on the other hand, played their cards wrong. They chose to support the North and provided nearly 80% of the arms used against the people of South Sudan. I have talked to principles of the new nation and they are committed to showing their thanks to the United States and will hold the sinister ways of China in their memories forever. We are natural allies with South Sudan and that is a good thing.

Chevron Corporation explored for oil in what is now South Sudan and hit it big. However, the subsequent warfare forced Chevron to get its employees out and abandon the find. The Chinese jumped on this with a vengeance and were too willing to partner with the atrocity mongering northern regime. Now that the nation has been established we should advocate for the right of Chevron to reconnect to its investment.

There are many things that need to be done. The United States should enter into a nonaggression pact with South Sudan. In essence, any aggression done to the sovereignty of South Sudan will be regarded as an act of aggression against the United States. Thus, you mess with South Sudan; you mess with us and we will whip your butt. The Soviet Union held such a pact with Mongolia during the 1930’s. Mongolia feared both China as well as the Imperial Army of Japan. Japan invaded Mongolia and the Soviet Union unleashed its massive army led by General Shukov, the Conqueror of the Eastern Front (World War II). He decimated the surprised Japanese Imperial Army. He did it with such a vengeance that Japan scrapped its plans to invade the Soviet Union and concentrated on the South Pacific and the United States.

Once we secure peace and safety we should assist in developing their economy. Our HBCU’s should collectively offer consulting in agribusiness and engineering. Our Black entrepreneurs should consider placing offices in South Sudan and participate in the building of its needed infrastructure (it has only 80 miles in paved roads today) and to modernize the applicable industries such as mining, manufacturing, logistics and environmental management. Right now the oil only goes to the north. Kenya is building a pipeline from there to its own coast for shipping. This will guarantee total control of this precious resource.

Let’s all pray for the success of our newest nation.

Mr. Alford is the President/CEO, cofounder of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®. Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .