A man dances with fireworks during Independence Day celebrations in South Sudan.
 AP:  Juba, South Sudan:  South Sudan became the world's newest nation early Saturday, 7/9/11, officially breaking away from Sudan after two civil wars over five decades that cost the lives of millions.  In the new country's capital, Juba, streets pulsed with excitement.  Residents danced, banged on jerry cans and chanted the name of the world's newest president, Salva Kiir.  One man kneeled and kissed the ground, as a group ran through the streets singing, "We will never, never, never surrender."  "Ah, I'm free," said Daniel Dang, a 27-year-old police officer and former soldier who broke out in a wide grin.  The Republic of South Sudan earned independence at 12:01 am Saturday, breaking Africa's largest country in two.  It marked the culmination of a January independence vote, which was guaranteed in a 2005 peace deal that ended the most recent north-south war.  After the celebrations die down, residents of South Sudan face an uphill climb.  While the new country is oil-rich, it is one of the poorest and least developed places on Earth.  Unresolved problems between the south and its former foe to the north could mean new conflict along the new international border, advocates and diplomats warn.  Saturday's early morning celebrations were joyous for the freedom gained, but tinged with the memories of family lost.  At least 2 million people were killed in Sudan's last civil war, fought from 1983-2005.  

My Comments:  I am thrilled for the South Sudanese!  They have suffered such losses.  These people are predominantly Christian, whereas the North Sudanese are Muslim.  I hope and pray for the peace of these precious people, who have lost so very much.  Over 2 million lives have been lost.  In the early Sudanese state, the government enacted many repressive measures.  In 1962, foreign Christian missionaries were expelled from the country and Christian schools were closed.  Does this give you a hint as to why 2 million people are dead, mostly Christians, and why the civil wars raged, the last one from 1983-2005?  Yes, you have it right.  The Muslims have to control and convert, or kill!  This is their religion!  Unfortunately, because these devils are repressive and murderous, as a matter of their religious beliefs, I don't foresee any real peace between the north and south, until Jesus comes to destroy the works of the devil and set up His righteous kingdom.  Let's pray for South Sudan, that God will have mercy, until He returns.  "For unto us a child (Jesus) is born, unto us a Son is given, and government will be His responsibility and His name will be called,Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" Isaiah 9:6.