Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honors Southern Sudan Independence, Congratulates World's Newest Nation

“The official declaration of independence for Southern Sudan marks a historical and critical moment for its people who have worked tirelessly and with due diligence to ensure a peaceful transition to independence. The people of Southern Sudan have  voted for the right of self determination as called for by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and have brought about the real possibility of democratic transformation in South Sudan.

“As Nelson Mandela reflected years ago upon the end of apartheid in South Africa, ‘I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.’  While we celebrate this momentous occasion we must also recognize that there remains much more work to be done in order to ensure democratic peace and stability between north and south Sudan. The ongoing conflict in South Kordofan, the unresolved region of Abyei, the use of ports for oil exports, and the official agreement on border demarcation are just a few of the significant challenges that require full commitment on both sides in order to normalize relations.

“Long-term peace and stability between the two neighboring countries must be ensured. With the continued leadership from the Obama Administration and our U.S. special envoy helping lead negotiations, wewill continue to lend our support and guidance to help build economic development, peacekeeping operations, military training, and overall capacity building efforts in South Sudan.

“ToSouthern Sudan’s first President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, we congratulate you on this exciting and important day and are confident in your efforts to lead South Sudan to economic and democratic stability. We commend you for your stalwart efforts and encourage you in further peaceful negotiations as you work towards building a strong and stable government.

“The people of Southern Sudan have spoken loud and clear and their declaration for independence is to be commended and celebrated. Today will go down in history as the dawn of a new African nation, and therefore, I salute the people and the country of Southern Sudan on this memorable and magnificent occasion.”

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