South Sudan Independence Day

The world's youngest nation, South Sudan, has cancelled its fifth independence celebrations as it struggles to end a civil war that has left thousands dead and ravaged the economy, the government said on Tuesday.

South Sudanese celebrating their nation's first birthday on Monday will bask in the pride of their hard-won political freedom, but many may ask when they will enjoy the material benefits promised by the government of former rebels.

The world's youngest nation, South Sudan, has cancelled its fifth independence celebrations as it struggles to end a civil war that has left thousands dead and ravaged the economy, the government said on Tuesday.

South Sudanese celebrating their nation's first birthday on Monday will bask in the pride of their hard-won political freedom, but many may ask when they will enjoy the material benefits promised by the government of former rebels.