Which country got independence recently? This question has been on the minds of many people around the world as recent years have seen several nations gaining their freedom. Independence is a significant milestone in a country’s history, symbolizing the end of colonial rule and the beginning of self-governance. In this article, we will explore the recent cases of countries that have achieved independence and the factors that contributed to their liberation.
The most recent instance of a country gaining independence is South Sudan, which became an independent nation on July 9, 2011. South Sudan’s independence came after a long and arduous struggle for self-determination. The region had been under the rule of Sudan since the 1950s, following the signing of the 1956 Anglo-Egyptian-Sudanese Condominium Agreement. The South Sudanese people, predominantly Christians and animists, had been fighting for independence from the predominantly Muslim northern Sudan for decades.
The struggle for independence reached a climax with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, which granted South Sudan autonomy and set the stage for a referendum on independence. The referendum, held in January 2011, resulted in an overwhelming majority of South Sudanese voting for independence. This historic event marked the end of one of Africa’s longest-running civil wars and the creation of the world’s youngest country.
Another recent example of a country gaining independence is Eritrea, which declared its independence from Ethiopia on May 24, 1993. Eritrea had been a province of Ethiopia since the 1950s, and its people had been fighting for independence since the late 1960s. The struggle for independence was characterized by a series of guerrilla wars and a protracted peace process.
The Eritrean-Ethiopian War, which lasted from 1998 to 2000, was a turning point in the conflict. The war ended with the signing of the Algiers Agreement, which led to the establishment of a permanent cease-fire and the deployment of UN peacekeepers. In 1993, a referendum was held in Eritrea, and the people overwhelmingly voted for independence.
The factors that contributed to the recent independence of these countries include the following:
1. International pressure: The international community, particularly the United Nations, played a crucial role in mediating the peace processes and supporting the referendums that led to independence.
2. The end of the Cold War: The end of the Cold War in the late 1980s and early 1990s allowed for a more conducive international environment for the struggle for independence.
3. The growth of nationalism: The growth of nationalism in these countries played a significant role in mobilizing the population and sustaining the struggle for independence.
4. The role of civil society: Civil society organizations, including human rights groups and advocacy groups, played a crucial role in raising awareness about the struggle for independence and mobilizing international support.
In conclusion, the recent independence of South Sudan and Eritrea is a testament to the resilience and determination of the people in these countries. The factors that contributed to their liberation are a reminder of the power of international pressure, the end of the Cold War, the growth of nationalism, and the role of civil society. These events highlight the ongoing struggle for self-determination and the importance of supporting the aspirations of nations seeking independence.
