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South Africa wishes to congratulate the new Republic of South Sudan on its independence today (9 July 2011). This historic moment is a fulfilment of the wishes of the people of South Sudan for self determination in accordance with the provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
South Africa notes that South Sudan has fulfilled all the necessary requirements that are mandatory in international law in order for a country to be declared a sovereign state. South Africa officially recognises the Republic of South Sudan and welcomes the 54th state of Africa.
The independence of the Republic of South Sudan marks the beginning of a new journey during which South Sudan institutions must work together to consolidate democracy, government and parliamentary institutions and address the pressing challenges that the country faces.
South Africa welcomes the signing on 20 June 2011 of the Agreement on Temporary Arrangements for the Administration and Security of the Abyei region between the Government of the Republic of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement as well as the signing on 28 June 2011 of the Framework Agreement on Political Partnership between the NCP and SPLM (Northern Sector) on Political Partnership and Political and Security Arrangements in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan between the Government of Sudan and the SPLM (Northern Sector). These significant developments come at a crucial time when the two parties to the CPA need to apply all efforts to ensure the peaceful transition and birth of a new State. South Africa has confidence that the African Union High Level Implementation Panel, led by former President Mbeki, will reap more positive results in the negotiations between the parties to the CPA over the outstanding post-referendum issues.
South Africa will continue to support efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful and stable environment in South Sudan that will create conditions for the entrenchment of democracy and the development of government institutions for the betterment of the people of South Sudan.