South Sudan Declares Independence
July 9, 2011
On July 9, 2011, the Republic of South Sudan declared its independence from Sudan. In 2005, the north and south signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, ending the Second Sudanese Civil War. After an interim period, the south was guaranteed the right to vote in a referendum on independence. This vote was carried out on January 9, 2011, resulting in a resounding endorsement for separation.