Independence !

On Saturday 9^th July, South Sudan finally gained independence from the North; which comes after decades of civil war during which over 1.5 million died.

People celebrated in the streets and spirits are high but this is not the end of the struggle for South Sudan.

Al-Bashir said his government had divided Sudan for the sake of peace, and that they have no intention of going back to war unless compelled to do so... but they may well be compelled to do so.

Border disputes continue, with both sides laying claim to the region of Abyei. Whilst peacekeeping forces will be moving in, this does not guarantee that the contestation will not lead to war.

South Sudan faces other difficulties. They are rich in oil but one of the poorest states in the world, with one in seven children dying before the age of 5. With the problems such as poverty, a lack of infrastructure and corruption, as well as the threat from the north, the new South Sudanese government will have plenty to worry about.

Problems concerning citizenship are also arising. South Sudan has agreed to allow all northern Sudanese living there to apply for citizenship but the same offer has not been extended to southern Sudanese living in the north. They will become foreigners and may have to return to South Sudan, even if they have never lived there which will divide families and friends.

But the government are making progress. They have called for the international community to support them and help them to build their country. They are looking for investment, in particular to strengthen their infrastructure which many hope will bring with it security. Glencore are helping under a new deal to develop the countries national oil company and market its oil.

And the people are behind the government. Under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, a referendum was held on independence, which was favoured by more than 99% of voters. So whilst the new government will face struggles, it is the hope of the world that they can be successful in their endeavours and settle their disputes with Sudan peacefully, with the backing of their people who have fought for independence for so long.