On 9 July 2011, South Sudan will become formally independent. Will it be able to avoid becoming a new failed state? And will its leadership be able to meet the high expectations of the Southern Sudanese people? Creating a proper administration and facing the many political and military divisions within the region are just two of the many and multi-faced challenges ahead. The South's secession will affect internal balances in North Sudan as well, while the many issues relating to the future relationship between the two regions will need to be settled to avoid further instabilities.