South Sudan becomes world's newest nation amidst fanfare

Juba, Jul 9 (PTI) Joyous people poured onto the streets,
danced and kissed the earth to mark the oil-rich South Sudan
becoming the world's newest country on Saturday, with
international leaders, including Vice President Hamid Ansari,
witnessing history unfolding in the country's capital here.
Splitting away from Khartoum-ruled north after decades
of civil war that claimed nearly two million lives, South
Sudan was declared a sovereign nation by its President Salva
Kiir Mayardit at a colourful noon hour ceremony attended by UN
chief Ban Ki-moon and Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir.
The new nation has become 193rd country to be recognised
by the UN and the 54th member state from Africa.
India immediately moved to say that it would appoint an
ambassador to the new country after the two sides sign an
agreement in that regard, Indian officials said.
"Oyee South Sudan (long live South Sudan)," chanted
thousands of people lining on the streets next to the podium
where the main function was held, ushering in the youngest
nation.
President Mayardit formally assumed the charge of the
new government of the South Sudan, which came into existence
after a 21-year-old war that preceded the signing of the
comprehensive peace agreement between north and south.
"Never again shall South Sudan be oppressed for their
political outlook," he said in his message.
Ansari, who arrived here from Kampala to join the
celebration as head of the Indian delegation, first laid
wreath at the mausoleum of the leader of the freedom struggle
John Garang.

LD SOUTHSUDAN 2
On his arrival in Juba, Ansari was received by Indian
army officers who are here as part of the UN peacekeeping
force. India has got two battalions as the part of the UN
force.
Ansari on Friday said that India is giving priority to
cooperation in hydrocarbon section in the new nation.
Besides Ansari, a host of dignitaries from across the
world, especially Africa, attended the ceremony. The list
included a high-powered US delegation led by Susan Rice, US
permanent representative to the UN.
"We, the democratically elected representatives of the
people, based on the will of the people of South Sudan, and as
confirmed by the outcome of the referendum of self-
determination, hereby declare South Sudan to be an independent
and sovereign nation," parliament speaker James Wani Igga told
thousands of cheering people.
Security was tight at the venue, and indeed across the
capital. Private vehicles have been barred from driving on
main roads in the new capital, and dozens of police and
soldiers have encircled the mausoleum.
South Sudan was painted in bright colours and spruced
up for the occasion. Airport has been closed for traffic for
two days to allow world leaders and foreign guests to travel
for the independence function unhinged.
President Mayardit hosted the reception for Ansari and
other world leaders after the celebrations.
Emotionally charged people of South Sudan watched as
their flag was hosted for the first time and their national
anthem played.
India did not take side in the over two decade long
civil war fought or during the previous one.
South Sudan has vast untapped potential, one of the
largest oil reserves in Africa outside Nigeria and Angola. It
is also rich in mineral resources, uranium, gold and diamond.

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The South Sudan's independence comes six months after
a January referendum in which nearly 99 per cent of South
Sudanese voted to separate from the north. The ballot was
mandated by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the 2005 deal
aimed at ending decades of civil war.
The official ceremony today follows a boisterous party
last night. As a countdown clock in the city centre reached
zero Friday night, the new national anthem of South Sudan was
played on television.
Sudan last evening extended official recognition to
South Sudan, calling it an "independent state".
India was one of the first Asian countries to open a
consulate in Juba in 2007 after the 2005 Peace Agreement.
According to experts, South Sudan has the capacity to
feed the entire population of Africa provided it develops
agriculture sector optimally. Massive investments are also
expected to be made in the new country for building railway,
airports, roads, bridges and low-cost housing.
"It is a historic occasion. A new country is coming
into existence and it is appropriate for India to be there for
the celebration of independence. It is the final product of
efforts of international community to bring about a peaceful
resolution," Ansari said yesterday.
India has a sizeable presence in UN forces in Africa
and "we have played a major role in Africa's de-colonisation,"
Ansari said.
"...We seek a cooperative relationship as we go into
the second decade of this century," he said.
Ansari said India's presence at the historic occasion
in Juba reflected its age-old ties with Sudan in particular
and Africa as a whole. PTI SC
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