South Sudan marks 15 years of independence in crisis

South Sudan President Salva Kiir in Juba, South Sudan, April 3, 2025.

Photo credit: Reuters

South Sudan is observing its 15th Independence Day with muted celebrations, constrained by economic hardship, renewed conflict and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

The country formally seceded from Sudan on July 9, 2011, having voted in a referendum to choose its way and break away from Khartoum.