Welcome, South Sudan!

July 9, 2011 marks the independence of South Sudan from Sudan. Celebrations are just underway now, but it’s important to note that the world has gained it’s newest state since Kosovo in 2008. The New York Times has an article about the troubles the new state faces, including essentially being born into a state of war with Khartoum. The Guardian has put together a brand new map with Africa’s 54th state on it.

This is just a terse post to welcome South Sudan to the community of states. I’ll definitely have more to post on later, especially as Sudan continues to oppress dissidents in Darfur and – most recently – the Nuba people in South Kordofan. South Sudan was able to separate, but this day has huge ramifications for all of central Africa. Regardless of these ramifications, though, a nation that has existed for centuries and a movement that has existed for almost fifty years have become a state. The millions involved in the struggle are finally getting what they have always wanted. Today is huge occasion to all of them. To quote a tweet from Texas in Africa:

Here’s a toast to a better July afternoon, the memory of those who fought & walked & died, and to the hope for a brighter future.

Here’s to South Sudan!