President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a Congratulatory Message to her colleague, the President of the Republic of South Sudan, His Excellency Mr. Salva Kiir Mayardit on that country’s 6^th Independence Anniversary.

South Sudan annually celebrates its Independence Day on July 9, the day it gained independence from Sudan in 2011 as the outcome of the 2005 agreement that ended Africa’s longest-running civil war.

Made up of the 10 southern-most states of Sudan, South Sudan is one of the most diverse countries in Africa. It is home to over 60 different major ethnic groups, and most its people follow traditional religions.

Independence did not bring conflict in South Sudan to an end. The 2013-2015 civil war displaced 2.2 million people and threatened the success of one of the world's newest countries.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Sirleaf, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia and in her own name, extended warmest congratulations and best wishes to President Salva Kiir, and through him the Government and people of the Republic of South Sudan.

The Liberian president said, “As the people of South Sudan commemorate this joyous occasion, I entertain the hope that the cordial ties of friendship and cooperation subsisting between our two countries and peoples will be further strengthened for the benefit of our two countries.”

President Sirleaf indicated that as both countries continue to collaborate in furtherance of the principles of the African Union and the United Nations for the promotion of regional and international peace, security and economic cooperation amongst all nations, it was her fervent prayer that the Almighty God will continue to endow President Salva Kiir with abundant wisdom and strength as he leads his people to sustainable peace and greater prosperity.