World leaders salute Africa’s newest state

US President Barack Obama led the world in formally recognising the Republic of South Sudan, giving legitimacy to that country’s declaration of independence two days ago.

Kenya, which mediated the end of Sudanese civil war between Khartoum and South Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and traditionally a strong ally of the South was among the first countries to recognise Southern Sudan.

“We welcome and fully embrace the new republic and its leadership, and look forward to working closely with her both at bilateral level as a neighbour and also within the frame work of the various regional and multilateral structures,” said President Kibaki.

South Sudan became an independent nation on Saturday, ending 50 years of exploitation and discrimination by the mainly Arab north.

The declaration of independence was made by South Sudan’s parliament speaker, splitting in two what had been Africa’s largest nation.

Mr Obama led official recognition of the country, calling it “another step forward in Africa’s long journey toward opportunity, democracy and justice.”

“I am proud to declare that the United States formally recognises the Republic of South Sudan as a sovereign and independent state upon this day, July 9, 2011,” Obama said in a statement.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon, speaking at the official ceremony in Juba, said a new chapter had been opened “when the people of South Sudan claim their freedom and dignity that is their birthright.”

Peaceful future

Messages of congratulation flooded in from nations around the world including Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, Jordan, Libya, Switzerland and Turkey.

“Today a new country is rising in Africa. I congratulate South Sudan on its independence and wish its people a prosperous and peaceful future,” said EU president Herman Van Rompuy in a Twitter message.

South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma said Africans from the Cape to Cairo were proud of South Sudan’s independence, after decades of conflict between the southern rebels and successive Khartoum governments that left the region in ruins and claimed millions of lives.

“We have always aspired to witness the dawn of peace, security and stability prevailing in the whole of the Sudan. That dream is coming to fruition,” said Zuma, adding however that “change always brings uncertainty and discomfort.”

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, in Juba said the day marked the beginning of “a new dawn” for the people of the new country, a statement from his office said.

Nigeria would support and assist the new country in every possible way as they began the task of building a new nation, he added.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed on his country’s best wishes in a letter to the new country’s President Salva Kiir.

“We applaud your commitment to addressing all outstanding issues with North Sudan in an amicable and peaceful manner,” he said.

Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed the move as “a day of joy and great hope for the people”.