In Pictures

South Sudan marks its second anniversary

Two years after independence, the country is booming – but faces major hurdles to its stability and continued growth.

AJ 01.jpg — South Sudanese in Juba, the capital, began celebrating independence the day before the country(***)s second birthday. Celebrations are expected to last through the night.

Juba, South Sudan – July 9 marks the two-year anniversary of South Sudan’s secession from neighbouring Sudan. Independence Day here commemorates an end to the decades of war which claimed more than two million lives, and the conclusion of an extensive peace process.

But two years on, the youngest nation in the world faces major hurdles to its stability and continued growth. Food security is one of the government’s top objectives: 98 percent of the country’s farmers are subsistence farmers, and 45 percent of the population have insecure access to food.

South Sudan’s economy is also heavily reliant on its oil reserves. But the only pipeline out of South Sudan runs through Sudan, and the countries have vehemently disputed how to split revenue from oil exports. South Sudan only recently resumed oil production after a 16-month halt due to the impasse.

Analysts have stressed the need to develop the country’s private sector, but tense relations between South Sudan and Sudan over the past two years – which have sometimes escalated to military clashes – have kept foreign investors at a distance.

Nevertheless, progress has been made. Billions of dollars have been contributed to South Sudan’s budget, helping to kick-start development and build up institutions. Juba, South Sudan’s capital, has been growing at a rapid pace as people in rural areas have migrated to the country’s biggest city.

AJ 03.jpg — Groups of women, as well as religious and political dignitaries, gathered at a football stadium to pray for peace and reconciliation following decades of war.

AJ 05.jpg — Though the capital(***)s road network has expanded, Juba still lacks a water and sewage system. Many people use bicycles to transport canisters of water to their homes.

AJ 06.jpg — With many people moving to Juba after independence, the city(***)s small streets are becoming crowded. "Boda bodas," or motorcycles, have emerged as the most affordable and popular form of transportation. Many drivers are immigrants from Uganda or Kenya looking for work.

AJ 07.jpg — Finding employment is challenging for South Sudanese, and many spend their days in the streets waiting for job opportunities.

AJ 08.jpg — Juba has expanded rapidly in recent years, but development in rural areas has been limited.

AJ 09.jpg — Many programmes at Juba University, one of six public universities in South Sudan, have been delayed due to public funding cuts.

AJ 10.jpg — Many South Sudanese still lead a hard life. Just outside Juba, women are tediously crushing stones to make a modest income.

AJ 11.jpg — These Sudanese traders at Konyo Konyo market in Juba have come from Khartoum hoping for better business in South Sudan.

AJ 13.jpg — The independence celebrations featured a heavy security presence, including members of the South Sudanese army.

AJ 18.jpg — Visitors were subject to strict controls amid threats from the hardline Somali group Al Shabaab.

AJ 14.jpg — A group of South Sudanese girls from Lakes State celebrated independence with traditional dances.

AJ 16.jpg — Each of the 10 states prepared their own celebratory dances. This woman(***)s T-shirt reads, "Towards effective nation building and prosperity for all".