PHOTOS: South Sudan is Born

Happy Independence South Sudan!!

After 40 years of civil war and 2.5 million dead, it was a joyous occasion as a new nation called the Republic of South Sudan was born.


Yesterday, history was made when a part of the world consumed with war and death, finally declared independence and welcomed a new leader. Over the weekend, the 10 states of southern Sudan severed their ties with the Muslim-dominated north to become the 193rd country recognized by the United Nations.

The New nation comes from a war-racked part of Africa, that to many -- seemed impossible. But on Saturday, the 54th state of Africa and the 193rd country recognized by the United Nation was born.

The who’s who of Africa, along with dignitaries from across the globe, including the country’s last leader Omar Hassan al-Bashir of Sudan, a war-crimes suspect was on site for the signing of the constitution and the welcoming of one of the world’s newest heads of state: Salva Kiir.

The world's newest nation was born at midnight local South Sudanese time (2100 GMT Friday), the climax of a process made possible by the 2005 peace deal that ended a long civil war.

In a speech to the independence ceremony, Mr Bashir said: "We congratulate our brothers in the south for the establishment of their new state. We share their joy and celebration. The will of the people of the south has to be respected."

US President, Barack Obama stated  "I am proud to declare that the United States formally recognizes the Republic of South Sudan as a sovereign and independent state upon this day, July 9, 2011. After so much struggle by the people of South Sudan, the United States of America welcomes the birth of a new nation."

UK Prime Minister David Cameron issued a statement recognising South Sudan, saying: "This is an historic day, for South Sudan and the whole of Africa."

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sent a telegram of congratulation and China's special envoy sent President Hu Jintao's "warmest congratulations".
South African President Jacob Zuma said: "We have always aspired to witness the dawn of peace, security and stability prevailing in the whole of the Sudan. That dream is coming to fruition."