JUBA, South Sudan — 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. Residents danced, banged on jerry cans and chanted the name of the world’s newest president, Salva Kiir.
One man knelt and kissed the ground as a group ran through the streets singing “We will never, never, never surrender.”
“Ah, I’m free,” said Daniel Deng, 27, a police officer and former soldier who broke out in a wide grin.
The Republic of South Sudan earned independence at 12:01 a.m. today, breaking Africa’s largest country in two. It marked the culmination of a January independence vote, which was guaranteed in a 2005 peace deal that ended the most recent north-south war.
After the celebrations die down, residents of South Sudan face an uphill climb. Although the new country is oil-rich, it is one of the poorest and least-developed places on Earth. Unresolved problems between the south and its former foe to the north could mean new conflict along the new international border, advocates and diplomats warn.
The early-morning celebrations were joyous for the freedom gained but tinged with the memories of family lost. At least 2 million people were killed in Sudan’s last civil war, fought from 1983 to 2005.
“I came here for this moment,” said Chol Allen, a 32-year-old minister who escaped Sudan in 2003 and eventually settled in Memphis, Tenn. He returned to Juba two months ago for the midnight party, though he plans to go back to the U.S., where he has a 4-year-old daughter.
“We were all born into war. All of us,” he said, then pointed at a pickup truck crowded with youngsters. “This generation will see the hope of the newborn nation.”
South Sudan is expected to become the 193rd country recognized by the United Nations next week and the 54th U.N. member state in Africa.
Later today, world leaders will attend a celebratory ceremony. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon already has arrived. Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell also will attend.
About South Sudan
The land: Sudan was Africa’s largest country but today lost the Texas-size south, which became its own nation. South Sudan shares a 1,300-mile border with northern Sudan.
The people: A 2008-09 census found that the south had 8.26 million people, but the southern government argued that the south has between 11 million and 13 million.
Challenges: It is one of the least-developed regions in the world, where an estimated 85 percent of the population is illiterate. The U.N. says a 15-year-old girl in South Sudan has a higher chance of dying in childbirth than finishing school. Food prices have soared in recent months, and unemployment is high.
The Associated Press
