South Sudanese are gaining independence on July 9th but have yet to build a fully functioning state
Tens of thousands of South Sudanese have watched the raising of the country's new flag at an independence ceremony in the capital, Juba.
The south's independence follows decades of conflict with the north in which some 1.5 million people died.
South Sudan is expected to become the 193rd country recognized by the United Nations next week and the 54th UN member state in Africa.
Though today is a day of celebration, residents of South Sudan must soon face many challenges. Their country is oil-rich but is one of the poorest and least-developed 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.
How to start a country, South Sudan style
Al-Bashir stood with his former enemies from South Sudan and congratulated them on their new homeland. He said he believed a united Sudan was still the best option but supported the dream of the South Sudanese.
The gracious tones sparked a ray of hope that the two sides would be able to get past a bitter relationship to forge ahead. That journey will hardly be easy as many challenges await.
South Sudan is among the world's poorest, with scores who fled the long conflict coming home to a region that has not changed much over the years.
The infrastructure is still lacking -- with few paved roads in the new nation the size of Texas. Most villages have no electricity or running water.South Sudan sits near the bottom of most human development indices, according to the United Nations, including the highest maternal mortality and female illiteracy rates.
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