World leaders welcome South Sudan’s independence
Over 30 African heads of state, along with foreign delegations, were on hand to witness South Sudan’s declaration of independence on 9 July at the John Garang Mausoleum.
President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe was one the first heads of state to arrive in Juba - Photo by Al Jazeera
President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, the first head of state to take to the podium, paid special tribute to the founder of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), the late John Garang, and the South Sudanese who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for a negotiated solution to Africa’s longest civil war.
I congratulate and salute President Salva Kiir and the people of South Sudan on this historic and joyous occasion of the birth of Africa’s youngest nation,” Kibaki said amidst thundering applause and thousands of small paper flags of the new republic.
Kibaki also hailed the leadership of Presidents Salva Kiir and Omar al-Bashir for their commitment and courage through what he called a difficult journey” in the search for durable peace in South Sudan.
He commended member states and partners’ forum of the Intergovernmental Authority of Development (IGAD), the African Union High Level Implementation Panel and UN agencies for their support and encouragement throughout the Comprehensive Peace Agreement period.
Today, six years since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Nairobi, Kenya, the world is witnessing a truly historic occasion.”
We could not have been here today without your generous support and valuable contribution,” Kibaki said.
Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir, whom many had speculated would not personally witness the moment of South Sudan’s official emergence as the world’s newest nation, said past disturbances should be forgotten and the focus should be on peace. He called on the U.S. government and the European Union to fulfill their pledges to the new republic.
Bashir also took the opportunity to urge the U.S. to lift sanctions imposed on his government since 1997 for its support of al-Qaeda, which were later renewed because of Khartoum's violence in Darfur.
President Bashir welcomed on his arrival by President Kiir - UN Photo / Isaac Billy
South Sudan’s leaders have also asked the U.S. to lift the sanctions.
On behalf of IGAD, the Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi pledged commitment by the regional body and his government to support efforts aimed at establishing peace, tranquility and progress in South Sudan.
Joseph Deiss, President of the United Nations General Assembly, said the UN has a long-standing commitment to Sudan and is eager to continue its close, long-term partnership to assist South Sudan in nation-building, the establishment of institutions, and sustainable development.
A new country is formally declaring its independence. And this new state will become a member of the United Nations,” he added.
Deiss said it was a remarkable achievement that a long-standing conflict has ended and grievances have been put aside.
Free at last. Photo by: Norihiko IshidaThis serves as an example of peaceful settlement of conflict for the benefit of the people for the rest of the world, he added.
Peace and cooperation among countries is crucial, and the international community should spare no effort to ensure that the peace process in Sudan is a success.”
A special envoy of Chinese President Hu Jintao also welcomed the birth of South Sudan. We sincerely hope that under the leadership of President Kiir and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, this young republic will make great success in nation building and development,” the envoy said, speaking through a translator.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon (second from left) and other dignitaries during the independence ceremony in Juba. UN Photo: Eskinder DebebeSusan Rice, the United States envoy to the UN, emphasised that the independence was not a gift to South Sudan’s citizens, but a prize they have won.
We salute those who did not live to see this moment, from the late Dr. John Garang to the ordinary citizens who rest in unmarked graves,” Rice told the gathering. We cannot bring them back, but we can honour their memory by working together in building South Sudan into a country worthy of their sacrifice.”
