South Sudan to celebrate independence day

South Sudan will celebrate its Independence Day today, marking 13 years since the country gained independence from Sudan in 2011 through a referendum. Cities across South Sudan have prepared to host celebrations, with officials putting security forces in place to protect civilians throughout the events of the day.

Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has experienced a deadly famine and civil war that it is still recovering from. Ethnic conflict in the region still persists, but one of the biggest threats to the country’s stability is the ongoing civil war in Sudan. The conflict has caused many Sudanese refugees to flee south and seek refuge in South Sudan, while also causing a blow to South Sudan’s economy.

The Sudanese Civil War has drastically disrupted South Sudan’s oil exports, which previously accounted for 90% of the country’s revenue. As the civil war in Sudan continues, the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan will likely deteriorate further. The influx of refugees may put a heavier strain on a country that is already facing a food crisis, potentially leading to more deaths.