“Today, the voices of the people of Southern Sudan were heard loud and clear across the world. The people of Southern Sudan have voted to secede from the north marking an historic moment in African history. Not only does this moment provide the Sudanese with an opportunity to end the legacy of Africa’s most devastating and deadliest war, it provides an opportunity for stability, security and peace for its people who have suffered tremendously for decades.

As we know this is only the beginning of the journey to establish Southern Sudan as a stable nation. We now look to the Sudanese government to observe and implement its commitments in the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement to resolve all outstanding disputes. I am grateful to those who have worked tirelessly in the international community, the Obama Administration, the Congressional Black Caucus and the humanitarian community that have helped to make this day possible.

 The Congressional Black Caucus remains committed to ensuring that the rise and infancy of this new nation, the people’s nation, is successful.