South Sudan becomes world's newest nation

AP via AJC ^ | 5:11 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2011 | MAGGIE FICK

[Pan_Yan]

JUBA, South Sudan — South Sudan became the world's newest nation early Saturday, officially breaking away from Sudan after two civil wars over five decades that cost the lives of at least 2 million people.

Residents of the new nation — the Republic of South Sudan — danced in the streets, banged on jerry cans and chanted the name of the world's newest president, Salva Kiir.

South Sudan earned independence at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, the culmination of a January independence vote guaranteed in a 2005 peace deal that ended the most recent north-south war.

Saturday's early morning celebrations were joyous for the freedom gained but tinged with the memories of family members lost.

Chol Allen, a 32-year-old minister, escaped Sudan in 2003 and eventually settled in Memphis, Tennessee. He returned to Juba two months ago for the midnight party, though he plans to go back to the U.S.

"I came here for this moment," he said. "We were all born into war. All of us," he said while pointing at a crowded pick-up truck of youngsters. "This generation will see the hope of the newborn nation."

Abdule Taban wore a wide smile during the night's street party, but the 25-year-old was also reflective.

[Pan_Yan]

They've got a long way to go with the North still threatening war, the boundaries not settled and refugees flowing south. Pray for them.

[frogjerk]

"I came here for this moment," he said. "We were all born into war. All of us," he said while pointing at a crowded pick-up truck of youngsters. "This generation will see the hope of the newborn nation."

If it is hope they need we can off-shore Obama to them for free. Just make sure there are enough golf courses and teleprompters and he wont be coming back.

[krb]

Let’s hope they don’t have a War of Northern Aggression.

[WOBBLY BOB]

when do we send them our first foreign aid check?

[colorado tanker]

Maybe The Messiah can give a speech. That’ll keep the north away fer shure.

[109ACS]

Wow, a successful, democratic African nation is born. How many does this make now? Oh yeah, none.

[Ingtar]

If at first you don't secede, try, try again.

[Rumplemeyer]

this will last until the Muslim north decides it must liberate the Christan south...give it a few weeks

[Cheetahcat]

Another crap hole we will have to feed.

[iowamark]

No mention of the real issue: getting away from the Muslim North Sudan.

[bert]

Next up, East Palestine

[Vigilanteman]

I suspect Sharia Law will be less popular here than in Obamaville.

[GeronL]

It won’t stay a Christian south if they don’t do something about the influx of “refugees”

[tanuki]

“If at first you don’t secede, try, try again.”

LOL-sounds like a line from the Fort Sumter guestbook!

[Vigilanteman]

New national anthem.

The lyrics seem to depict an inflated sense of importance. But best of luck to them anyway.

[EGPWS]

when do we send them our first foreign aid check?

We haven't yet?

A team of political has beens needs to come together and form a panel to determine why we have dropped the ball and haven't been up front printing money to give it to them already!

This government of ours is really going to the dogs when it comes to compassionate spending! /s

[livius]

They’re predominantly Christian. Don’t look for them to get any checks from Uncle Sam!

[I still care]

At least they got this done before Obama started to “fix them”.

[Blood of Tyrants]

IIRC, the north is Islamic and the south is Christian. Guess which side Obastard will side.

[Indy Pendance]

Is the totus ready?