Fifteen years of independence for South Sudan, but still little to celebrate
- South Sudan, the world's youngest country, on Thursday marks the 15th anniversary of its independence, following decades of war with Sudan, a 2005 peace agreement and a 2011 self-determination referendum in which almost 99 percent of voters backed statehood.
- But the hopes that came with it have given way to renewed conflict, economic collapse and political deadlock.
- For several years now, the government of President Salva Kiir has cancelled large Independence Day celebrations, saying they are too expensive and the authorities have other priorities.
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- South Sudan, the world's youngest country, on Thursday marks the 15th anniversary of its independence, following decades of war with Sudan, a 2005 peace agreement and a 2011 self-determination referendum in which almost 99 percent of voters backed statehood.
- But the hopes that came with it have given way to renewed conflict, economic collapse and political deadlock.
- For several years now, the government of President Salva Kiir has cancelled large Independence Day celebrations, saying they are too expensive and the authorities have other priorities.
Sources: RFI