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On behalf of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and on my own behalf, I wish to congratulate His Excellency, Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan and the citizens of the country following the attainment of independence of South Sudan on Saturday, July 9, 2011.

EALA salutes the people of South Sudan on the birth of the new nation –which becomes the 54th State in the African continent. EALA applauds President Salva Kiir as he leads the people of South Sudan on the new yet historical journey of nationhood.

His swearing in as the new Head of State is further reminiscent of the faith the people of the Republic of South Sudan have in his leadership and a vote of confidence as he begins the hard work of building and re-building the nation. EALA is proud to be associated with the new republic at this moment of pride.

The coming into being of the independent state of South Sudan is commendable and worth celebrating. Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, the EAC, the continent and the world at large, have watched with hope and pride as major key milestones of the Agreement remained on course, leading to eventual realisation of freedom. The referendum held in January 2011 as prescribed by the CPA was momentous and peaceful keeping alive hopes of the birth of a new nation.

As a regional Assembly, EALA has watched with admiration over the years from the time the CPA was signed, as the vision of the forefathers of South Sudan became transplanted in the people of this new and great nation.  The outcome of the referendum also exemplified the will of the people of South Sudan.  I wish to congratulate H.E. President Omar Al- Bashir and the government of the Sudan for respecting the path chosen by the South Sudan.
 
I further recognise the efforts of all leaders and stakeholders in the Sudan and beyond who have made freedom possible at last in South Sudan.  The significance, charisma and ideals of the late Dr. John Garang shall forever remain etched in the memoirs of history of the great nation as South Sudan makes a turning point by becoming independent.
 
The independence is a culmination of a peaceful process of negotiations between the north and south which was mediated by Kenya and indeed overseen by the EAC region.  It also ushers with it an aura of peace and stability in the Sudan as a whole.

On the regional front, the new republic has expressed interest in joining the East African Community. The Republic of South Sudan provides a wide range of opportunities for investment and trade.  Already, the EAC enjoys economic links with South Sudan.  I am confident that the EAC shall continue to support and work closely with a peaceful Sudan generally and with South Sudan in particular.

EALA wishes President Salva Kiir Mayardit good health, happiness and prosperity during the coming years.  We also wish the people of South Sudan good luck and success in all their endeavours.

By Rt. Hon. Abdirahin H. Abdi,
Speaker, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA)