Splm/Spla

Preface to the Fourth Edition This is the fourth edition of this book. The previous editions were in 2001, 2009 and 2011. The book has been in high demand in Sudan(s) and East Africa but its exposure to readers beyond this geographical area was limited due to the scope of publication. This edition is prompted by two considerations. First, there is a pressing need to get it to more readers across the globe. Second, the current state of turmoil in the new state, South Sudan, has left many pundits wondering as to what went wrong in a country that was full of hope and promise when it was declared independent in July 2011. This book does not claim to provide all the answers but it has clearly shown that the state of political disorganization of the SPLM/A, the ruling party, since its inception was a disaster in the waiting. Perhaps the readers may want to refresh their memories by going through the arguments put forward in that direction more than 16 years ago. As always, I am grateful to all who advised me to republish the book and also to those who helped me in any way to prepare it for publication. Dr Lam Akol, Addis Ababa August, 2017.