The Speaker of Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly proclaimed the independence of South Sudan this afternoon amid manifestations of great joy by thousands who packed to capacity the venue for the event in Juba.
It was 1:19 PM when James Wani Igga started reading the proclamation of independence.
The nine-point declaration was drafted by GoSS Ministry of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Development.
Southern Sudan MPs amended and passed the resolution on Thursday.
The huge crowd greeted the declaration with a thunderous cheering.
Archbishop Paolino Lukudu Loro of Juba and a Muslim imam offered the opening prayers followed by a military parade with members of all organized forces.
After the declaration of independence the flag of Sudan was lowered and a huge flag of South Sudan raised in a very big mast.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit then signed into law the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan and took the oath of office as the first president of the Republic of South Sudan.
Before the celebration started, Mr. Kiir unveiled a life-size statue of Dr. John Garang de Mabior near his tomb.