South Sudan celebrated the 12th anniversary of its independence, proclaimed in euphoria on July 9th, 2011, after decades of civil war with the Khartoum regime. But the youngest country in the world had descended into civil war two years later. Since 2018, he has been implementing a peace agreement that should lead to elections in 2024. Even if the process is laborious and the war in neighboring Sudan has affected many South Sudanese since mid-April, the inhabitants have held to celebrate.
Flags waving in front of vehicles, colorful balloons hanging in the streets… The colors of the South Sudanese flag have brightened up Juba in recent days. No big official celebration, however, in his address on national television, President Salva Kiir reiterated his commitment to the peace process.
“We have reached a critical phase in our determination to consolidate peace in our country. As I have always said, I will ensure that the war never starts again. In the months to come, my attention and that of our partners will be focused on how to empower you, the citizens, to choose your leaders democratically, by December 2024 at the latest”.
At the Afex Rivercamp, a popular bar on the banks of the Nile, artists perform to mark independence in a festive and good-natured atmosphere. King D Kapa, the rapper, confides, “I am super happy to celebrate our 12th anniversary. For me, the most important thing is the unity between us, South Sudanese so that our young nation can prosper like the others”.