Celebrations in the captial Juba began at midnight – the moment South Sudan became an independent nation. It is the 193rd country to be recognised by the UN and the 54th UN member state in Africa. After a long conflict with the north, in which 1.5 million people died, and a prolonged and anguished peace process, the declaration of independence heralded a moment of jubilation in the new country.
Here’s how the African press reported the event:
From allafrica.com: US Sees Historic, But Fragile Moment in Sudan
From newsudanvision.com: The meaning behind declaration of South Sudan independence
From southsudannewsagency.com: Constitutional Debate: On the Controversy Surrounding the Proposed Presidential Powers in the Draft Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan
From gurtong.net: South Sudan’s Day Of Freedom Dawns
From irinnews.org: Rethinking demobilisation and disarmament in post-independence Sudan