Thousands took to the streets of Juba to salute the birth of the Republic of South Sudan well before midnight.
Cars and motorbikes were tooting, full of people hanging from the windows or seating on the tops waving flags.On the streets, people sang danced, ululated, chanted oyees while beating drums and banging various pieces of metal and throwing water at passers-by.
In some areas there were fireworks and occasional gun salutes.
At mid-might there was a huge shout of joy echoing through the capital of the brand new Republic of South Sudan with people singing the national anthem.
The manifestations of joy for the independence went well into the night and was taken up as soon as the sun rose announcing a new dawn to the country.