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Expectations were high one year ago when South Sudan gained independence. Many are optimistic about the direction of the country, but many also believe the fledgling country has failed to live up to expectations.

South Sudan gained independence in a referendum last July. But now, with 400,000 people displaced and starving, unresolved issues could lead to a third Sudanese civil war. Worldview talks with Douglas H.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir will meet early next month for just the second time since South Sudan’s independence last year. The meeting comes amidst a simmering humanitarian crisis along the border.

South Sudan became the world’s newest nation last Saturday. It’s taken nearly 50 years. Some two million people died in the struggle that led to Saturday’s festivities. Chicagoan Kenneth Elisapana joined in the celebration from Chicago.

Scores of villagers have died in recent fighting in southern Sudan despite the presence of 10,000 U.N. troops mandated with protecting civilians. Now, internal documents say U.N. officials have ordered peacekeepers not to operate in areas where civilians may be at risk.

"Election officials say the final results from last month's vote in Southern Sudan show that more than 98 percent of the ballots were cast for independence," the Associated Press reports from Juba, Sudan.It adds that: "The results mean that Southern Sudan will become the world's newest country in Ju

While the vote to determine whether southern Sudan becomes an independent country continues, Jerome and Radio M host Tony Sarabia examine the work of one of Sudan’s most celebrated young artists.