Preparations underway for South Sudan's independence

By Nima Elbagir, CNN

July 8, 2011 -- Updated 1151 GMT (1951 HKT)

Women dance in the streets of Juba Friday, on the eve of South Sudan's independence.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• South Sudan is to become the world's newest country on Saturday
• President Omar al-Bashir will visit South Sudan when it marks its independence
• Many are preparing for a celebration Saturday

Juba, Sudan (CNN) -- The final bricks are being laid on the path leading through the parade ground, the flags have been raised halfway in expectation and in the streets leading to the mausoleum of deceased Southern leader, Dr John Garang, waves of dancers are singing in near-empty streets.
On the eve of South Sudan's independence, Juba, the capital city, is going into virtual lockdown.
Only foot traffic is being allowed in the perimeter of the celebration site. Cars are waved away by sunglass-wearing soldiers.
The airport has also been closed to commercial flights to allow for the arrival of the expected dignitaries.

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RELATED TOPICS

• Southern Sudan
• Sudan

The arrival of so many guests of honor to bear witness to the birth of this new nation has rendered the Southern Sudanese both incredibly nervous and incredibly proud.
But the ongoing conflict with the North is also casting its shadow.
South Sudan is to become the world's newest country Saturday after South Sudan natives voted overwhelmingly in January for independence. The referendum to split was part of a 2005 peace deal to end decades of violence between the two sides.
The two countries look set to divorce in name only. Tthere are no agreements on the borders, the oil, or even the status of their respective citizens.
But Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir is still expected here on Saturday - a gesture of pragmatism and what his office is calling a hope for brotherly relations.

The South, in turn, is responding with equal grace, reserving for him an entrance separate from other dignitaries as the anthem of the Republic of Sudan plays on sovereign soil for the last time.