Two of the world’s newest countries includes South Sudan and Kosovo, with some others being more contentious or unrecognized by the international community. Here’s a brief overview of these countries and their backgrounds:
- South Sudan
- Background: South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, following a referendum that was part of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended decades of civil war between the Sudanese government in the north and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in the south.
- Reason for Independence: The southern region of Sudan, where South Sudan is located, has a distinct cultural, ethnic, and religious identity from the predominantly Arab-Muslim north. Years of conflict and marginalization fueled aspirations for independence among the people of South Sudan.
- Kosovo
- Background: Kosovo declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008, following years of conflict between ethnic Albanians, who make up the majority of the population, and the Serbian government. The Kosovo War in 1998-1999 resulted in NATO intervention and the establishment of United Nations administration in Kosovo.
- Reason for Independence: Kosovo’s population, mainly ethnic Albanians, sought independence from Serbia due to political, economic, and ethnic grievances. The Kosovo War and subsequent human rights abuses fuelled their desire for self-determination.
- Other Regions with Partial Recognition or Aspiring for Independence:
- Somaliland: Declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the central government. While it operates as a de facto independent state with its own government and institutions, it has not gained international recognition as an independent country.
- Palestine: Declared independence in 1988, but its statehood remains a matter of contention due to ongoing conflict with Israel and differing international perspectives.
- Taiwan (Republic of China): Governed separately from mainland China since 1949, but its sovereignty is disputed by the People’s Republic of China. While it operates as a de facto independent state, it is not universally recognized as such.
- Western Sahara: A disputed territory claimed by both Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), which is recognized by some countries and organizations as an independent state.
- Abkhazia and South Ossetia: Seceded from Georgia following conflicts in the early 1990s. They are recognized as independent by a few countries, including Russia, but are considered part of Georgia by most of the international community.
These regions highlight the complexities and challenges surrounding issues of self-determination, sovereignty, and international recognition.