The independence process of South Sudan
The President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy considered the independence process of South Sudan by written procedure. South Sudan declared its independence on 9 July 2011 followed by festivities in the capital, Juba, to celebrate the declaration. The Finnish Foreign Minister’s Special Representative Pekka Haavisto and Ambassador Leo Olasvirta represent Finland in the festivities.
In a referendum held in January 2011, 99% of the registered voters opted for South Sudan’s independence from Sudan. The referendum of independence formed part of an agreement signed in 2005 ending decades of conflict between the south and the north.
The African Union, the UN and the international community widely support the independence of South Sudan. On 9 July, the EU issued a declaration where it welcomes the establishment of the independent state of South Sudan. Finland intends to recognise South Sudan. The matter is to be discussed at a presidential session on 22 July 2011.
The African Union has had a key role in promoting negotiations between northern and southern Sudan. Finland has directed support from its development cooperation funds to the African Union High Level Implementation Panel on Sudan – a body mediating the negotiations and led by the former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki.
Inquiries: Kirsti Kauppi, Director-General, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 40 743 3548