South Sudan, the world's newest country, marked the first anniversary of its independence from Sudan Monday amid troubled relations with Khartoum.
Members of the Sudanese and South Sudanese Diaspora in the United States held a "We Choose Peace" rally in front of the White House to commemorate the one year anniversary.
Niemat Ahmadi, director of Global Partnerships and a rally participant, said part of their message was to call on the international community to fulfill its commitment to bring peace between the two countries.
”We were so happy that our brothers and sisters from that corner of Sudan were able to exercise their rights. Unfortunately, until today, the violence continues to destabilize both Sudans. That is why we came here today, July 8, to recognize the independence of the south. But, also to raise our voices and denounce the violence,” she said.
Participants at the rally, which was endorsed by Amnesty International USA, civil society organizations and faith leaders from around the world demanded protection for civilians, unhindered humanitarian access, and justice and accountability.
Ahmadi said the Sudanese and South Sudanese diaspora communities will continue to advocate for peace between the Sudans.
The world's newest country is South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011. Before that, the newest country was Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in February 2008. Montenegro became a country in June 2006, after splitting off from Serbia. Since 1990, 29 new nations have come into being. Many of these emerged from the collapse of the Soviet Union (14 countries) and the breakup of the former Yugoslavia (7 countries).
Tags:infoplease,VOA
Congrats south sudan!! But we pray naija doesn't get separated this way o!
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