South Sudan became the world's newest nation early today, officially breaking away from Sudan after two civil wars over five decades that cost the lives of millions.In the new country's capital, Juba, streets pulsed with excitement.
Southern Sudan has been in a civil war with its northern counterpart, its second since Sudan became a nation, since the mid-1980s. The split has partly been along religious lines. North Sudan is mostly Muslim while those in the South are mostly Christian and Animist. South Sudan sought independence, in part, over its objections to being governed by Sharia law.
South Sudan earned independence at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, the culmination of a January independence vote guaranteed in a 2005 peace deal that ended the most recent north-south war.
Saturday's early morning celebrations were joyous for the freedom gained but tinged with the memories of family members lost.
On Friday, last-minute preparations were being made for the deluge of high-powered guests expected Saturday, from Colin L. Powell to President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. Work crews were putting fences up and applying final coats of paint. Throngs of young people marched down the road in impromptu parades. Passing motorists honked gleefully and pumped their fists in the air, in solidarity.
The Republic of South Sudan will join the community of nations on Saturday.
After the military celebrations and parades, the South will have to face up to the realities it faces.
It will be one of the most underdeveloped countries on the planet. Only 15 percent of its citizens can read and fears of renewed conflict abound.
The people of the South have endured a half century of civil war and oppression by the Islamic rulers of northern Sudan that left more than 2 million dead.
Mena Report 11:32 The soon to be independent oil rich state of South Sudan will mobilize 500 billion dollars worth of
Renegade militia leader David Yau Yau receives presidential pardon Tuesday, 28 June 2011 12:35 Sudan. The President of the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS), Salva Kiir Mayardit, has granted.
During the decades of conflict in Sudan, many people fled, citing either religious or tribal persecution. They ended up in refugee camps in neighbouring countries or found sanctuary further afield.
An 8,000-strong community of Sudanese exiles live in the UK, mostly in London.
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