South Sudan readies for independence day

Processions of ex-veterans, soldiers and civilians, including women's groups, marched through central Juba in the hot sun, some dressed in traditional clothing, playing drums and dancing.

Nearby, workers toiled to ready the main venue, at the mausoleum of John Garang. The southern rebel leader was killed only months after a 2005 peace deal ended decades of brutal conflict with Khartoum and opened the door to eventual nationhood.

"I feel so happy for getting my independence; that is why I am working here," said Jhawawar Dawson, 28, who had volunteered to help prepare the site of the official independence celebrations.

"I want to welcome all the nations that are coming to celebrate this event and show the best of our country," he added.

Information minister Baranaba Marial Benjamin insisted the preparations were in place for tomorrow, when millions of southern Sudanese, and foreign dignitaries, including 30 African leaders, will mark the birth of the world's newest nation.

Church bells are due to ring out at midnight on Friday.The main ceremony will include military parades, prayers, the raising of the newly proclaimed Republic of South Sudan's flag and the country's first president, Salva Kiir, signing the transitional constitution.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon was due to arrive in south Sudan's bustling capital today, while South African President Jacob Zuma is expected to meet Sudan's Omar al-Bashir in Khartoum before flying south.

The Sudanese leader, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity and genocide in Darfur, confirmed yesterday that he would attend the independence ceremony, and said he wanted to see a southern state that is stable and secure.

Southern officials have said he will be the chief guest of honour.But French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe, who is due to arrive tomorrow morning, said he would try to avoid an encounter with Bashir by remaining among other international dignitaries such as British Foreign Minister William Hague.

"Just because Bashir is there does not mean that we should not show our support" at the independence ceremony, he said yesterday.