The Republic of South Sudan is now the world’s newest nation, raising the global number to 196, and the African continent’s 54th nation-state.
After enduring two decades of warfare and the deaths of 2 million people, South Sudan saw its day of independence July 9.
Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Juba, the new nation’s capital, and heard their president, Salva Kiir, declare the southern region of Sudan independent of the north.
South Sudan’s official declaration of independence was read out at 1:25 p.m., followed by Kiir being sworn in as president.
“Never again shall South Sudanese be oppressed for their political beliefs,” Kiir said. “Never again shall our people be discriminated [against] on account of race or religion. Never again shall we roam the world as sojourners and refugees.”
The division between the north and the south is sharp. The north is arid, Arab and Muslim, while the south has many varieties of vegetation, is black African and is predominantly Christian and animistic.
“We have reclaimed our permanent home, given to us by God as our birthright,” Kiir said. “As we bask in the glory of nationhood, I call upon all South Sudanese to put the long and sad history of (civil) war, hardship and loss behind them and open a new chapter of peace and reconciliation in our lives.” (BP)
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