After Years Of War, Calls For South Sudan Independence Are Gaining Steam

Salva Kiir, First Vice President of the Government of National Unity of Sudan and President of the Government of Southern Sudan (AFP)

South Sudan President Makes First Call For Independence -- New York Times/Reuters

JUBA, Sudan (Reuters) - South Sudan's president on Saturday urged southerners to vote for independence in a referendum if they wanted to be free, the closest he has come to calling publicly for the separation of the oil-producing region.

The south secured a vote on whether to break away from Sudan as part of a peace deal that ended more than two decades of war with the north. But until now, southern President Salva Kiir has stuck to the official line of building support for unity.

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More News On Southern Sudan

Sudanese unity a 'second class' option: Kiir -- AFP
Pushing the deadline -- Al-Ahram Weekly
Kiir says chances of united Sudan are slim -- Sudan Tribune
Road to referendum -- Sudan Tribune