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The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Zuma administration to announce its intention to recognise Africa’s newest state, when Southern Sudan becomes the mooted Republic of Sudan on 6 July this year. The official results of the referendum establishing independence have been handed over to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who has accepted the results, in which over 98% of Southern Sudanese voted for independence.

This is an important moment for Africa. After years of civil war, Southern Sudan finally has a chance to begin a process of peaceful development in accordance with the will of the overwhelming majority of its people. It is the Zuma administration’s responsibility to demonstrate that we accept and encourage all peaceful and democratic processes on the continent. This can be done by immediately demonstrating South Africa’s faith in the ability of Southern Sudan to achieve full, independent statehood.

President Zuma should also take this opportunity to announce that his administration has begun the process of selecting an ambassador to Southern Sudan. Our ambassador will be best placed to advise on how our country’s principles of constitutionalism and respect for human rights can be interwoven into the new state’s identity.

Our ambassador would also be at the forefront of outside assistance plans for state development. Hopefully the African Union (AU) will begin discussing how the body can best begin developing a framework of support for what will probably be its newest member. This would include plans and advice on infrastructure development, border controls between the two Sudanese states, a fair distribution between the two states of the north’s economic resources and Southern Sudan’s oil wealth, and basic systems of government for all the people.

We should all embrace this moment. The DA applauds all actors for adhering to the terms of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, an adherence which provides good prospects for ensuring a peaceful transition.