On January 9, 2005, the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) signed an accord known as the Naivasha Agreement or the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). This agreement was designed to not only end the Second Sudanese Civil War, but also share oil revenues, and to develop democratic governance countrywide.
Peace Agreement Day is an unofficial holiday that commemorates this event. On this day, most businesses are closed in the capital of Juba. It’s a holiday in which people can take the day off and spend time with friends and family members.
The History Of The Comprehensive Peace Agreement
The First Sudanese Civil War took place between 1955 and 1972, and the Second Sudanese Civil War that started in 1983 and ended in 2005 is very much a continuation of that war. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement would end the war and South Sudan would achieve temporary independence from Sudan for about 6-years—as stated in the agreement.
Between January 9th and 15th in 2011, a vote came up to determine if South Sudan should remain independent from Sudan or rejoin it. Almost everyone in South Sudan voted for Independence and South Sudan would become independent on July 9, 2005.
Facts About South Sudan
We’ve rounded up some interesting facts about South Sudan that we think everyone will appreciate. Let’s take a look at them below.
- South Sudan covers an area of 248,777 square miles.
- South Sudan has a population of approximately 10,204,581 people as of 2018.
- The life expectancy in South Sudan is 57-years.
- A 2009 estimate found that only about 27% of South Sudanese are literate.
Observing Peace Agreement Day In South Sudan
People will often observe this holiday by spending time with friends and family members. People will eat a nice meal with their loved ones such as Gurassa, Kajaik, or Mandazi. People will also attend special events dedicated to the day and listen to political speeches.
When is Peace Agreement Day? |
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| This year (2023) | January 9 (Monday) |
| Next year (2024) | January 9 (Tuesday) |
| Last year (2022) | January 9 (Sunday) |