South Sudan: a timeline to independence

On Saturday, after decades of civil war and almost two centuries of rule by outsiders, South Sudan will finally become an independent state. Here's a look at the road the fledgling nation has traveled to get to where it is today.

South Sudan’s independence (July 9, 2011)

Paul Banks/UNMIS/Reuters
Members of Southern Sudanese security forces prepare for a rehearsal of the upcoming independence day celebrations in Juba on July 7.

On July 9, South Sudan officially becomes an independent state. With the situation in South Kordofan so shaky and Abyei’s status still unresolved, its transition to independence is unlikely to be completely smooth. It still faces internal tribal and ethnic divisions and rebel militias, as well as the continuation of hostilities with the North.
Check out the first of a three-part series chronicling the challenges facing the world’s newest country here.

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