TEMPLATE ANALYSIS

Despite a year marked by ethnic conflict in Jonglei State that has resulted in the killing of hundreds, a bloody conflict on the border with Sudan, and a huge corruption scandal, the capital Juba is holding a huge street party to mark the first anniversary of South Sudan’s independence.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is expected to join the leaders of neighbouring Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda at the mausoleum of South Sudan former rebel leader John Garang near the capital Juba, as the newly established nation plans to throw a huge street party.

No senior Sudanese leaders are expected to be there with the two countries still disputing some border areas and how to share their oil wealth, which some observers say the South has squandered on its military.