Chairman Cleaver’s Statement on the Independence of the New Nation South Sudan

Washington, DC – Today, Chairman Emanuel Cleaver released the following statement on the independence of the new nation South Sudan:

“This weekend marked the first days of the new nation of South Sudan. The voices of the people of Southern Sudan were heard loud and clear across the world when they overwhelmingly voted to secede from the north marking an historic moment in African history. Not only did this moment provide the Sudanese with an opportunity to end the legacy of Africa’s most devastating and deadliest war, it provides an opportunity for stability, security, and peace for its people who have suffered tremendously for decades.

 

“As we know, this is only the beginning of the journey to establish Southern Sudan as a strong nation. The people of South Sudan lack widespread access to some of the most basic needs from infrastructure, roads, electricity, and clean water. The disputed Abbey region, on the border between Sudan and South Sudan, has also seen disproportionate military offenses from the Sudanese government, which have put civilians at risk. Independence for South Sudan should be a step toward more prosperity and greater peace with the help of the international community. We want to ensure that the infancy of this new nation is a success.

 

I want to commend President Obama and his administration, and our own Congressman Donald Payne, along with many of our allies in the international community, who worked hard to make the referendum possible, and I thank them for their efforts. The Congressional Black Caucus remains committed to ensuring that the rise and infancy of this new nation is successful.

-         Chairman Emanuel Cleaver, II