South Sudan Gains Independence from Sudan
July 9th, 2011
July 9th, 2011
How Long Ago?
13 years, 8 months, 5 days ago
Location
South Sudan
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Omar al-Bashir
- Salva Kiir Mayardit
Links & References
Tags
South Sudan Gains Independence from Sudan
South Sudan emerged as an independent nation, separating from Sudan after decades of civil war and conflict. Following a referendum where the overwhelming majority voted for independence, the country was officially declared independent on this day, marking a new era for the region. Juba, the capital of South Sudan, became the focal point of celebrations and the establishment of a new government, seeking to address long-standing issues of development and peace.
Referendum showed 98.83% voted for independence.
Salva Kiir became the first president of South Sudan.
The event marked the end of decades of civil war.
International leaders attended the independence ceremony.
What Happened?
The independence of South Sudan was a significant milestone following decades of conflict between the northern and southern regions of Sudan, culminating in two devastating civil wars from 1955 to 1972 and 1983 to 2005. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in 2005 laid the groundwork for an eventual referendum on independence, which took place in early 2011. The results of the referendum showed that approximately 98.83% of Southern Sudanese voters supported secession from the North, signaling a strong desire for self-determination and a new governance structure.
On July 9, 2011, South Sudan officially declared its independence from Sudan, and celebrations erupted in both capitals, Juba and Khartoum. The ceremony was attended by multiple international dignitaries and witnessed the hoisting of the new nation’s flag for the first time. Salva Kiir Mayardit, the leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the military wing (SPLA), became the first president of the newly formed nation. Despite the euphoria surrounding the independence, South Sudan faced immediate challenges, including issues related to national governance, economic instability heavily reliant on oil revenues, and ongoing tensions with Sudan regarding border disputes and oil transit fees.
Why Does it Matter?
The independence of South Sudan is significant as it marked the first country to gain independence in the 21st century, representing a break from a long-standing conflict that shaped the region. It set a precedent for self-determination movements worldwide and highlighted the complexities of ethnic and resource-based conflicts. While the independence was celebrated, it also signaled the beginning of a new set of challenges, ultimately leading to internal strife, and evolving dynamics in East African geopolitics.
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