Impact of Political Stability on Economic Development:Case of South Sudan

About the Book

The main theme of this study is chosen in response to the general consensus on the importance of conducting a comprehensive study that may shape the economic policies and promote the business sector as well as the government and other organizations. However, the key question posed by this study is whether the theory that political stability fosters economic development is simply the wishful thinking of people who value both stability and growth or whether it is a delusion of those who believe that most developing countries may enjoy rapid growth if they are stable. The importance of this study is clear: South Sudan is confronted with enormous challenges of administrative, ethnic, political, and economic development. In light of this, the current study addresses the following issues: “What is the impact of the political system in South Sudan on economic development? What is the impact of oil resources on sustainable development? What is the impact of the oil shutdown on political and economic stability, and what is the possibility of deficit financing? Is there any possibility for cooperation between Sudan and South Sudan?” In this context, the major objective of this study is to analyze the political development of the country to verify that political stability fosters the achievement of economic and social development. It also seeks to analyze the political history of Sudan in general and South Sudan in particular, emphasizing the importance of political stability, among other considerations, as a precondition for socioeconomic development. Furthermore, other objectives of the study include suggestions on how political stability could be ensured in South Sudan and how good governance may promote political and economic stability. However, the key question posed by this study is whether the theory that political stability fosters economic development is simply the wishful thinking of people who value both stability and growth or whether it is a delusion of those who believe that most developing countries may enjoy rapid growth if they are stable. The importance of this study is clear: South Sudan is confronted with enormous challenges of administrative, ethnic, political, and economic development. In light of this, the current study addresses the following issues: “What is the impact of the political system in South Sudan on economic development? What is the impact of oil resources on sustainable development? What is the impact of the oil shutdown on political and economic stability, and what is the possibility of deficit financing? Is there any possibility for cooperation between Sudan and South Sudan?” In this context, the major objective of this study is to analyze the political development of the country to verify that political stability fosters the achieve-ment of economic and social development. It also seeks to analyse the political history of Sudan in general and South Sudan in particular, emphasising the importance of political stability, among other considerations, as a precondition for socio-economic development. Furthermore, other objectives of the study include suggestions on how political stability could be ensured in South Sudan and how good governance may promote political and economic stability.

About the Author

Addis Ababa Othow (PhD): Born in 1974, in a town called Malakal, South Sudan, he attended undergraduate studies at Al–Neelain University, Khartoum where he graduated in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree “Excellent with Second Class Honour” in economics studies. The Faculty Board later awarded him the prize for the best final student in the department of economics in the academic year 1994/1995. He then joined Al-Neelain University as a Teaching Assistant the following year, before being recruited as a banking inspector at the Central Bank of Sudan, Khartoum, in 1997. During his period as bank inspector, he has participated in the financial& accounting restructuring of Ivory Bank, Khartoum 1998 and after that he was seconded in 1999 to Council of Southern Sudan as Advisor & planner of Developmental Projects which were meant to improve the well being of families in South Sudan. The same year 1999, he completed a master’s degree in economic development at Al-Neelain University. Thereafter, he moved to the Netherlands, relentless in his pursuit of knowledge, he continued with additional studies earning himself a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and accounting at Hanze University, Groningen in 2007. Almost immediately after graduating, he landed a job with Dubios & Co Chartered Accountants Amsterdam as an assistant accountant/auditor until 2010 when he later decided to move back to his homeland, the Republic of South Sudan. In 2007 he started PDO programs on Accountancy & controlling at Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Free University Amsterdam (VU), the Netherlands (not completed). Joining the Anti-Corruption Commission as a consultant in 2010, it was certain that his sting wouldn’t last once an opportunity to rejoin the finance and banking industry arose, thus, joining the Bank of South Sudan in December 2010 as the Head of Non-Banking Division until January 2013, where he was transferred to Head of Planning, Regulation and Licensing Division. He is also a Member of Steering Committee, Private Sector Development Program and in charge of World Bank, IFC files In May 2013, he successfully completed his thesis under the title “Impact of Political Stability on Economic Development- Case of South Sudan” awarded a PhD degree in Political Economy from Al-Neelain University. Dr. Addis believes that his education has contributed in a clear understanding and a broad qualification, towards it on the area of business trials, Finance, accounting, banking and information system within the organisation.