KENYA: South Sudan raises flag on one of first embassies in Africa

Record ID: 361698

  • Title: KENYA: South Sudan raises flag on one of first embassies in Africa
  • Date: 8th July 2011
  • Summary: NAIROBI, KENYA (JULY 26, 2011) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF NEW EMBASSY FOR SOUTH SUDAN VARIOUS OF YOUNG BOY SCOUTS PREPARING FLAG TO BE RAISED FLAG ON POLE VARIOUS OF MEN AND WOMEN DANCING AND SINGING (SOUNDBITE) (English) PAUL MAKUACH, SOUTHERN SUDANESE STUDENT SAYING: "We are very happy, that's why we are here today because it is the raising of the flag of the Republic o
  • Embargoed: 23rd July 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Kenya, Kenya
  • Country: Kenya
  • Reuters ID: LVAE8OO52UFNJKZ5XXV275L1ORNM
  • Story Text: The newborn nation of South Sudan opened one of its first African embassies in Nairobi, Kenya on Tuesday (July 26).
    Men and women from the world's 193rd nation gathered at the new building wearing bells, beads and a sense of optimism.
    They danced, sang and ululated as the flag unfurled outside the premises of the embassy in uptown Nairobi, a symbol of South Sudan's close relationship with Kenya.
    Kenya played host to the signing of the 2005 peace agreement that ended decades of war in Sudan, in which some 2.5 million people died, as well as giving refuge to thousands of Southern Sudanese refugees during the conflict.
    "We are very happy, that's why we are here today because it is the raising of the flag of the South Sudan embassy in Kenya, that's why we are here today and we are very happy to get the independence," Paul Makuach, a Southern Sudanese student, said at the ceremony.
    South Sudan became independent on July 9 after an independence referendum in January.
    At a reception in honor of the renewed diplomatic presence in the region, ministers and foreign dignitaries gave speeches reinforcing their friendship with the new nation.
    "The embassy will try to facilitate further cooperation and friendship between our two people. We will also work to support the regional and international private sector to invest in South Sudan," South Sudan's new ambassador to Kenya, Michael Majok Ayom said.
    Despite the confidence, many challenges remain for the young country regarding the division of oil revenues, border disputes, water, and currency coming after decades of warfare and neglect by the government in Khartoum.
    If only nation-building were a piece of cake.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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