South Sudanese men celebrate independence from Sudan on the day of their nation’s birth.
After more than five decades of civil war that have seen millions displaced and killed, South Sudan seceded from the Arab-dominated north Saturday to become Africa’s newest nation. The country’s president, Salva Kiir, wore his signature black cowboy hat—a gift from George W. Bush—while he signed the interim constitution before cheering crowds.
The struggle for peace is far from over, however. Relations with the north remain tense and the country’s leaders have to decide how to manage its oil supplies. They will have to do so while contending with rebels who want control of the region, some of whom threaten to renew the north-south conflict as they continue fighting in the borderlands, analysts say. —ARK
The New York Times:
A new nation was being born in what used to be a forlorn, war-racked patch of Africa, and to many it seemed nothing short of miraculous. After more than five decades of an underdog, guerrilla struggle and two million lives lost, the Republic of South Sudan, Africa’s 54th state, was about to declare its independence in front of a who’s who of Africa, including the president of the country letting it go: Omar Hassan al-Bashir of Sudan, a war-crimes suspect.
... “This is a beautiful day for Africa,” said Joseph Deiss, president of the United Nations General Assembly. “This is a remarkable achievement, a longstanding conflict has been stopped.”
Perhaps. But South Sudan — Texas-size and with about eight million people — is already plagued by ethnic tensions and rebellions. More than a half-dozen renegade groups are battling the government, some with thousands of fighters. And relations with the north are still dicey. Negotiators have yet to agree on a formula to split the revenue from the south’s oilfields, which have kept the economies of both southern and northern Sudan afloat. And Mr. Bashir’s army has been pounding southern-allied rebels who have [been] refusing to disarm just north of the border in the Nuba Mountains, which some analysts worry could drag the whole region back into a full-scale war.
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In 1861 a group of states seceded from the USA and a
devastating war ensued with repercussions still felt
today. The north of Sudan is not going to let the
southern part of their country secede anymore than the US
federal government did in 1861. And of course, like the
US civil war, the answer lies in economics. The south has
the bulk of the oil producing facilities and the north has
the distribution facilities. War is coming and this time
it’s for real.
By Trademark Application, July 10, 2011 at 12:52 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
US recognizes new nation of South Sudan:
The United States on Saturday recognized the Republic of South Sudan, the world’s newest nation, as a sovereign and independent state.
President Barack Obama said in a statement that, “This historic achievement is a tribute, above all, to the generations of southern Sudanese who struggled for this day.”
South Sudan became independent after civil wars that spanned more than 50 years. Millions of people died in the conflicts as the black African tribes from the south battled the mainly Arab north for independence. The warring sides reached a peace deal in 2005.
The country’s flag was officially raised for the first time over Juba, South Sudan’s capital, on Saturday after the speaker of the legislature made a formal proclamation of independence from Sudan..
Obama said the people of South Sudan and Sudan “must recognize that they will be more secure and prosperous if they move beyond a bitter past and resolve differences peacefully.”
“Lasting peace will only be realized if all sides fulfill their responsibilities,” he said.
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By Lew Ciefer, July 11, 2011 at 1:57 pm Link to this comment
How big will this nation’s (failed state) beggars cup be? How much will American workers have to dole out annually to yet another buch of losers?
Report thisBy Blackspeare, July 10, 2011 at 10:33 am Link to this comment
In 1861 a group of states seceded from the USA and a
Report thisdevastating war ensued with repercussions still felt
today. The north of Sudan is not going to let the
southern part of their country secede anymore than the US
federal government did in 1861. And of course, like the
US civil war, the answer lies in economics. The south has
the bulk of the oil producing facilities and the north has
the distribution facilities. War is coming and this time
it’s for real.
By John Sullivan, July 10, 2011 at 8:57 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
His cowboy hat was a gift from George W. Bush? Bad omen.
Report thisBy PatrickHenry, July 10, 2011 at 8:24 am Link to this comment
When does Palestine get recognized?
They have been at the table far longer the South Sudan.
Report thisBy Trademark Application, July 10, 2011 at 12:52 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
US recognizes new nation of South Sudan:
The United States on Saturday recognized the Republic of South Sudan, the world’s newest nation, as a sovereign and independent state.
President Barack Obama said in a statement that, “This historic achievement is a tribute, above all, to the generations of southern Sudanese who struggled for this day.”
South Sudan became independent after civil wars that spanned more than 50 years. Millions of people died in the conflicts as the black African tribes from the south battled the mainly Arab north for independence. The warring sides reached a peace deal in 2005.
The country’s flag was officially raised for the first time over Juba, South Sudan’s capital, on Saturday after the speaker of the legislature made a formal proclamation of independence from Sudan..
Obama said the people of South Sudan and Sudan “must recognize that they will be more secure and prosperous if they move beyond a bitter past and resolve differences peacefully.”
“Lasting peace will only be realized if all sides fulfill their responsibilities,” he said.
Report this