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Peace and Security
Remarks at ceremony marking the independence of South Sudan J ub a, 9 J uly 2011
O
n behalf of the United Nations, on behalf of the international community, I greet the eight million citizens of the Republic of South Sudan, and on this great and momentous occasion, I send all of you our very best wishes for a peaceful, prosperous and happy future as the newest nation in Africa and as the newest nation on earth! Today, we witness history. The birth of this new nation marks the culmination of a long struggle. A struggle that saw terrible violence, a struggle that destroyed so many lives, for so many years. Today, we open a new chapter: a day when the people of South Sudan claim the freedom and dignity that are their birthright. I commend you both for having come so far. Both of you have made difficult decisions and compromises. Seeing both of you here today testifies to your common commitment to peace and partnership. We gather in celebration, but we are mindful of the enormous challenges ahead: deep poverty, lack of basic infrastructure and institutions of government, political insecurity. And yet, at the same time, we must not underestimate South Sudan’s remarkable potential. Its resilient and talented people, abundant natural resources, huge areas of arable land, and the great Nile running through it. With these assets, South Sudan could grow into a prosperous, productive nation capable of meeting the needs of its people. But it cannot do so alone. Alone, South Sudan cannot meet the challenges it faces nor realize its potential. Doing so will require partnership, a full and on-going engagement with the international community and, most especially, its own neighbours. That is why we are here today, because we are committed to helping South Sudan shape its future. As we look toward that future, we must acknowledge the past. As the South separates from the North, we must recognize the ties that continue to bind them: ties of culture, politics and economics. Though the North and South Sudanese people now belong to different countries, they will continue to live side by side. Trade will continue across their common border. Nomadic groups will continue their seasonal migrations. The waters of the Nile will continue to flow from South to North. A viable South will need a viable North. And vice versa. Today is therefore a day for the North and the South to reaffirm their common heritage and mutual interdependence. It is an opportunity to renew their commitment to building peaceful and productive relations and to face their common future