South Sudan independence celebrations marred by threat of war

Military veterans parade during an Independence day ceremony in Juba yesterday

(Reuters)

Military veterans parade during an Independence day ceremony in Juba yesterday while tens of thousands gathered under a sweltering sun to celebrate the first birthday of the world's youngest nation – an event marred by dire economic hardships and a near-constant threat of war.

Dance troops gave traditional performances and the armed forces put on a parade that featured the country's fiercest pieces of weaponry: two attack helicopters. In a speech, President Salva Kiir addressed the country's number one threat: a return to war with Sudan.

AP