LIVE TEXT: South Sudan's Independence
South Sudan becomes Africa's 54th nation. Photo/STEPHEN MUDIARI
11:33: Former Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi has just arrived, more heads of States expected.
11.26: Somalia President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed arrives at J.G Mausoleum
11.15: Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan arrives
10.52: The VIP dais is rearranged to create space for dignitaries that will be arriving.
10.50: South Sudan residents occupy the VIP dais as more residents flock in, security officials struggle to maintain order.
10.40: Security official lay a red carpet in anticipation of the arrival of South Sudan's President Salva Kiir. He's expected to arrive anytime from 11am.
10.31: Chinese delegation arrives, dancers entertain guests.
10.01: Security officials bring in more chairs to accommodate the huge number of dignitaries that have been streaming in the venue since 9am.
10.10: More residents continue arriving at the venue as well as dignitaries from West African states.
9.47: The crowd sings traditional songs as military commanders join in the party.
9.36: United States dignitaries begin arriving. Most dignitaries at J.G Mausoleum struggle to cope with the heat.
9.28: Foreign diplomats stream in at J.G. Mausoleum.
9.22: Ghana's former head of State John Kufuor arrives.
9.20: Thousands of jubilant South Sudan residents celebrate the dawn of their new State at J.G Mausoleum.
