South Sudan celebrates independence

A man holds up South Sudan's new flag as South Sudanese children rehearse their dance routine, to be performed at half time during South Sudan's national soccer team's match with Kenya as part of the independence day celebrations, in Juba July 7, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

JUBA -- Southern Sudanese have started celebrating their independence from the north early Saturday morning, after the clock struck midnight Friday.

People in Juba, the future capital of south Sudan, played drums, danced and sang the soon-to-be national anthem of the world's newest country.

A grand official ceremony will be held at the Mausoleum of John Garang, a late leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement. Salva Kiir Mayardit is expected to sign the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan and take the oath of office as the first president of south Sudan.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, UN Secretary General Ban Ki- moon and representative from the Arab League, the African Union and the European Union are expected to attend the ceremony.

During the referendum to decide the fate of unity or division of the Africa's largest country in January, nearly 99 percent of the voters approve the secession of the south from Sudan. The result was recognized by the Sudanese government and the international community, paving the way for the south's independence on July 9.

Members of the Agar Lmarol group from Lake state in Rumbek perform a traditional celebration dance during preparations for the Independence Day ceremony in Juba, South Sudan, July 6, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]