On July 9, South Sudan officially becomes an independent state. With the situation in South Kordofan so shaky and Abyei’s status still unresolved, its transition to independence is unlikely to be completely smooth. It still faces internal tribal and ethnic divisions and rebel militias, as well as the continuation of hostilities with the North.
Check out the first of a three-part series chronicling the challenges facing the world’s newest country here.
Paul Banks/UNMIS/Reuters