President of Southern Sudan Salva Kiir waves the newly signed constitution during the ceremony in the capital Juba on July 9, 2011 to celebrate South Sudan's independence. South Sudan becomes the world's newest nation. AFP PHOTO/Roberto SCHMIDT 

US President Barack Obama led the world in formally recognising the Republic of South Sudan, giving legitimacy to that country’s declaration of independence two days ago.
AFP PHOTO/FILE Mr Obama led official recognition of the country, calling it “another step forward in Africa’s long journey toward opportunity, democracy and justice.”  

Kenya, which mediated the end of Sudanese civil war between Khartoum and South Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and traditionally a strong ally of the South was among the first countries to recognise Southern Sudan.
“We welcome and fully embrace the new republic and its leadership, and look forward to working closely with her both at bilateral level as a neighbour and also within the frame work of the various regional and multilateral structures,” said President Kibaki.
South Sudan became an independent nation on Saturday, ending 50 years of exploitation and discrimination by the mainly Arab north.
The declaration of independence was made by South Sudan’s parliament speaker, splitting in two what had been Africa’s largest nation.
Mr Obama led official recognition of the country, calling it “another step forward in Africa’s long journey toward opportunity, democracy and justice.”
“I am proud to declare that the United States formally recognises the Republic of South Sudan as a sovereign and independent state upon this day, July 9, 2011,” Obama said in a statement.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon, speaking at the official ceremony in Juba, said a new chapter had been opened “when the people of South Sudan claim their freedom and dignity that is their birthright.”
Messages of congratulation flooded in from nations around the world including Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, Jordan, Libya, Switzerland and Turkey.
“Today a new country is rising in Africa. I congratulate South Sudan on its independence and wish its people a prosperous and peaceful future,” said EU president Herman Van Rompuy in a Twitter message.
South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma said Africans from the Cape to Cairo were proud of South Sudan’s independence, after decades of conflict between the southern rebels and successive Khartoum governments that left the region in ruins and claimed millions of lives.