South Sudan Independence Day

South Sudan Independence Day is a national holiday in South Sudan that commemorates the country's independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011. The independence movement was led by John Garang, the founder of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), who fought against the Government of Sudan and its leader, Omar al-Bashir. The movement gained international support from organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the European Union, as well as countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and China. Key figures like Salva Kiir Mayardit, Riek Machar, and Pagan Amum played crucial roles in the movement, with support from Intergovernmental Authority on Development and East African Community.

History of the Movement

The history of the movement for independence in South Sudan dates back to the First Sudanese Civil War (1955-1972) and the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2005), which were fought between the Sudan People's Liberation Army and the Government of Sudan. The movement was led by John Garang, who was a key figure in the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, and later by Salva Kiir Mayardit, who became the first President of South Sudan. The movement gained support from neighboring countries like Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia, as well as from international organizations like the United Nations Mission in Sudan and the African Union Mission in Sudan. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in 2005 between the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and the Government of Sudan paved the way for the independence of South Sudan, with the support of Jimmy Carter, Kofi Annan, and Ban Ki-moon.

Road to Independence

The road to independence for South Sudan was long and challenging, with the Sudan People's Liberation Army fighting against the Government of Sudan for over two decades. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in 2005 provided for a referendum on independence, which was held on January 9, 2011. The referendum was supported by the United Nations, the African Union, and the European Union, as well as countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and China. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the East African Community also played a crucial role in supporting the referendum, with key figures like Meles Zenawi and Yoweri Museveni providing leadership. The results of the referendum showed that the majority of the people of South Sudan voted for independence, with over 98% of the voters supporting separation from Sudan.

Independence Day Celebrations

The independence day celebrations in South Sudan were attended by dignitaries from around the world, including the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, the African Union Commission Chairman, Jean Ping, and the United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. The celebrations were marked by flag raising ceremonies, parades, and speeches by key figures like Salva Kiir Mayardit and Riek Machar. The Sudan People's Liberation Army and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement were also honored for their role in the independence movement, with recognition from Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Wangari Maathai. The celebrations were supported by international organizations like the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank, as well as countries like Canada, Australia, and Germany.

Significance and Impact

The independence of South Sudan has significant implications for the region and the world. It marks the end of a long and bloody conflict between the Sudan People's Liberation Army and the Government of Sudan, and provides an opportunity for the people of South Sudan to build a new nation. The independence of South Sudan also has implications for the African Union and the East African Community, as well as for international organizations like the United Nations and the European Union. Key figures like Thabo Mbeki and Olusegun Obasanjo have played a crucial role in supporting the new nation, with recognition from Nobel Peace Prize laureates like Barack Obama and Liu Xiaobo. The independence of South Sudan has also been recognized by countries like India, Brazil, and Russia, with support from International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organization.

International Recognition

The independence of South Sudan has been recognized by the international community, with the country being admitted to the United Nations as the 193rd member state on July 14, 2011. The recognition of South Sudan as a sovereign state has been supported by countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and China, as well as by international organizations like the African Union and the European Union. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the East African Community have also recognized South Sudan as a member state, with key figures like Hailemariam Desalegn and Uhuru Kenyatta providing leadership. The recognition of South Sudan has implications for the region and the world, and marks a new era in the history of the country, with support from Commonwealth of Nations and Non-Aligned Movement. Category:National days