World’s Newest Nation: South Sudan

South Sudan became the world’s newest nation early Saturday. It officially broke away from Sudan after two civil wars over five decades that killed more than two million people.

Residents of the new nation – the Republic of South Sudan – danced in the streets and chanted the name of the world’s newest president, Salva Kiir.South Sudan became independendent at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, the culmination of a January independence vote guaranteed in a 2005 peace deal that ended the most recent north-south war. Saturday’s early morning celebrations were joyful for the freedom gained but tinged with the memories of family members lost. Chol Allen, a 32-year-old minister, escaped Sudan in 2003 and finally settled in Memphis, Tennessee. He returned to Juba two months ago for the midnight party, though he plans to go back to the US. “I came here for this moment,” he said. “We were all born into war. All of us,” he said while pointing at a crowded pick-up truck of youngsters. “This generation will see the hope of the newborn nation.” Later Saturday, world leaders will attend a celebratory ceremony. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon already has arrived in South Sudan. Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell is also expected attend, as will Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, whose country already has recognized South Sudan.