20100108

KHARTOUM (Reuters) - Southern Sudanese living in the north fear intimidation or even war if a referendum next year results in secession from the rest of the country and many are calling for international monitoring to protect their rights.

After a civil war which has raged on and off since 1955, southern Sudanese on January 9, 2011 will vote on whether to remain one country or change the map of Africa by becoming independent from the north.

A 2005 peace deal created a coalition national government ending the war between Khartoum's Islamists and southerners following traditional beliefs or Christianity. But continued tensions and delays in implementating the pact have sowed mistrust among southerners and many say they will vote for secession.

While many of the millions of southerners who fled the war to the north say they want to go back if the referendum results in secession as many expect, there are some born and educated in the north who say they should have the right to stay.

"North Sudan cannot ignore me," said Keji Roman, a southerner born and bred in the capital. "Khartoum is my city -- I don't think Khartoum can close its door in my face."

But she said if there was a return to war as many fear, southerners would not be able to stay in the north.

"Khartoum would be a dangerous place for me to stay because this war will be vicious," she said.

Many are afraid of a lack of post-secession planning for them by the coalition government formed after a 2005 peace deal and which has preferred to focus on unity.