South Sudan becomes a new nation. (Reuters)

Millions of people had lost their lives in the civil wars that spanned over a 50 year period as the black African tribes from the South battled the mostly Arab North for independence. A peace deal was finally established in 2005.

South Sudan, roughly the size of Texas with about eight millions people, has been filled with ethnic tensions and rebellions. As the South Sudan president, Salva Kiir, signed the interim Constitution and the new South Sudan flag was raised, residents sensed a new time for the nation.

“This is a beautiful day for Africa,” said Joseph Deiss, president of the United Nations General Assembly. “This is a remarkable achievement, a longstanding conflict has been stopped.”

According to the Associated Press, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton voiced her support for the new nation and said the United States will remain a “steadfast partner” as freedom continues to transform thousands of residents.

Read more about South Sudan’s celebration here.

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