Khartoum:People in South Sudan gathered in the
capital Juba and elsewhere to mark the country's first anniversary as they celebrated
the zeal of an independent nation.
The impoverished country has spent
the past year wracked by border fighting with neighbouring Sudan.
Recent disputes with its northern
neighbour have led to violent confrontations along the border and an economic
stand-off over oil.
While addressing people at the John Garang Mausoleum in Juba, on
Monday South Sudanese President Salva Kiir said the country still has more work
to do to become self-sufficient. He made
this statement after declaring independence a year ago.
South Sudan's economy has been dependent on oil, which accounts
for 98 percent of the country's revenues.
The country has suffered since deciding to cut off oil production in January to
protest against high fees Sudan was charging for use of its pipelines and port,
which the south relies on for exporting.
Meantime, tensions remain high along the border with Sudan.
In April, South Sudanese forces attacked and briefly occupied the oil town of
Heglig, controlled by Sudan, but claimed by both sides. The fighting brought
the two countries close to the brink of war.
An African Union panel mediating talks on the disputes between the two sides
has made little progress.