Sudan . South Sudan: The World's Newest Nation by Steve Evans After enduring two decades of warfare and the deaths of 2 million people, the Republic of South Sudan saw its day of independence on Saturday, July 9, 2011. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Juba, the new nation's capital, as they heard their president, Salva Kiir, declare the southern region of Sudan free and 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 the new nation's 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 war, hardship and loss behind them and open a new chapter of peace and reconciliation in our lives." With elaborate ceremony, the flag of Sudan was lowered and the new flag of South Sudan was raised. South Sudan is now the world's newest nation, raising the global number to 196, and the African continent's 54th nation-state. Putting years of civil war behind them, residents of southern Sudan celebrate July 9, when they seceded from the nation and became the independent Republic of South Sudan. Remnants of the armed struggle can be seen in villages across the region. South Sudan's presidential guard wait the arrival of foreign dignitaries invited to participate in the country's official independence celebrations in the capital city of Juba. A member of a local church in Juba, South Sudan, quietly contemplates the Bible passage in Isaiah 61that talks of healing the brokenhearted and setting the captives free. Religious freedom for Christians in the south was a major factor in deciding for independence. Many of South Sudan's citizens live in rural areas and follow tribal traditions. A major thrust of the new government is to alleviate tensions among the tribes within the new country. Residents of South Sudan travel the road of independence and look forward to increased development, better living conditions and freedom of worship. Hundreds of thousands of Sudanese gathered in South Sudan's capital city of Juba to celebrate their day of independence from Sudan. A bright and free future lies ahead for the children of South Sudan. Development in all sectors is a priority for the new government. Members of a local church in Juba, Sudan, celebrate on independence day and pray for unity among the country's various tribes. Southern Sudanese expressed joy and jubilation on their day of independence, July 9, from Sudan. Here this young man celebrated with face painting. Many of South Sudan's citizens live in rural areas and follow tribal traditions. A major thrust of the new government is to alleviate tensions among the tribes within the new country. Many of South Sudan's rural citizens wonder what the future will hold for them, expecting the government to make good on their promises of a better lifestyle. Those in the rural areas of South Sudan look forward to a better lifestyle promised to them by the emerging political parties of the Republic of South Sudan. The new republic gained independence on July 9, 2011. Children have the most to gain from South Sudan's independence from it's Muslim/Arab neighbor Sudan. In the future they will look to better education, jobs, etc., promised by the new government. For many in South Sudan's rural villages life won't change much after gaining independence July 9, 2011, from its neighboring country of Sudan. Generals of South Sudan's army celebrate during official independence day ceremonies. After two decades of civil war and two million deaths, their dream is finally realized. The capital of the new Republic of South Sudan on July 9, Juba will require extensive development. There are no high-rise buildings, few paved roads, no traffic lights and piles of trash everywhere. Putting years of civil war behind them, residents of South Sudan will always remember July 9, when they seceded from the nation of Sudan and become the independent Republic of South Sudan. Members of a local church in Juba, Sudan, pray for unity and express thankfulness for religious freedom guaranteed by their new nation of South Sudan. Children sing while attending primary school in the independent nation of South Sudan. Education is a priority for the new government. All of our advertising is certified by Google and therefore may be viewed safely. Security details kept a close watch on the crowds during official South Sudan independence day ceremonies held in the new country's capital of Juba. Uncertain. Immigrants from neighboring countries, like these men from Uganda, wonder what the future will hold for them in the independent Republic of South Sudan. Education is a priority for the government of the new country of South Sudan. Here a student looks out the window of his classroom wondering when he will get a teacher.
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