The economic development of the Sudanese south, although it is potentially a rich agricultural zone, suffers because of the region's isolation.

Moreover, a continual struggle goes on between British officials in the north and south, as those in the former resist recommendations that northern resources be diverted to spur southern economic development.

Personality clashes between officials in the two branches in the Sudan Political Service also impede the south's growth.

Those individuals who serve in the southern provinces tend to be military officers with previous Africa experience on secondment to the colonial service.

They usually are distrustful of Arab influence and are committed to keeping the south under British control.

By contrast, officials in the northern provinces tend to be Arabists often drawn from the diplomatic and consular service.

Whereas northern provincial governors confer regularly as a group with the governor general in Khartoum, their three southern colleagues meet to coordinate activities with the governors of the British East African colonies.