South Sudan
South Sudan gains independence and secedes from Sudan.
In context
- When
- Saturday, July 9 201115 years ago
- Category
- Historical eventA dated happening — a battle, treaty, launch, discovery, disaster or decision — recorded on this calendar day.
- Era
- 21st century · 2010s
- Recorded from
- Wikipedia “On this day” feed
At a glance
Dates: From 2011.
What came beforeAI-assisted
Sudan gained independence from British-Egyptian rule in 1956 as a unified nation. The country was divided between an Arab-Muslim north and a largely Christian and animist south, creating deep cultural and religious tensions.
The Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005) killed over 2 million people and displaced millions more, primarily in the south. The conflict centered on the north's attempt to impose Islamic law nationwide and control of oil resources.
Catalyst / how it startedAI-assisted
The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in January 2005 ended the civil war and granted South Sudan autonomy for six years, with a referendum on independence scheduled for 2011. The agreement was brokered by international mediators and promised southerners the right to self-determination.
The January 2011 referendum saw 98.8% of South Sudanese voters choose independence over remaining united with Sudan. International observers confirmed the vote was credible, setting the stage for formal secession.
Who was involvedAI-assisted
Salva Kiir Mayardit, leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A), became South Sudan's first president. Omar al-Bashir, Sudan's president since 1989, accepted the referendum results and the separation.
The United Nations, African Union, and major world powers including the United States and United Kingdom supported the independence process and recognized South Sudan immediately after secession.
TimelineAI-assisted
January 9, 2005: Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed, ending the Second Sudanese Civil War. January 9–15, 2011: South Sudan holds independence referendum with overwhelming support for secession.
July 9, 2011: South Sudan officially becomes independent and is recognized by the United Nations as the world's newest nation. The country became the 193rd UN member state.
What happened
South Sudan gains independence and secedes from Sudan.
July 9 through the years
Other entries on the same calendar day, in order.
Also in 2011
- May 112011 Lorca earthquakeAn earthquake registering Mw 5.1, the worst to hit the region for more than 50 years, struck near Lorca, Spain.
- May 11Istanbul ConventionThe Istanbul Convention is signed in Istanbul, Turkey.
- September 11National September 11 Memorial & MuseumA dedication ceremony is held at the United States National September 11 Memorial on the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in…
- September 15Gleision Colliery mining accidentFour miners are killed in the Gleision Colliery mining accident in the Swansea Valley, Wales.
- September 17AdbustersAdbusters, a Canadian anti-consumerist publication, organized a protest against corporate influence on democracy at Zuccotti Park in New…
- September 17Occupy Wall StreetOccupy Wall Street movement begins in Zuccotti Park, New York City.
- September 182011 Sikkim earthquakeThe 2011 Sikkim earthquake is felt across northeastern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and southern Tibet.
- October 20Libyan civil war (2011)First Libyan Civil War: Muammar Gaddafi, the deposed Libyan leader, was captured by rebel forces during the Battle of Sirte, and was kill…
Sources
- Wikipedia article (text, CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 for adapted text · how we source this
Cite this page
“South Sudan”, What's On This Date, https://whatsonthisdate.com/app/event/south-sudan-2011-july-9, accessed October 27, 2026.
Cite the underlying source as well — the source links above go to the record this entry is adapted from.
Questions about this entry
When did South Sudan happen?
July 9 2011 — 15 years ago, on a Saturday.
Where does this text come from?
Wikipedia “On this day” feed. Summaries are short adaptations that link back to the source, not reprints. Panels marked AI-assisted were filled where the sources left a heading empty.
How do I cite this page?
Use the ready-made citation near the sources at the bottom of the page, and follow the source link to cite the underlying record as well.
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