South Sudan Prepares for Independence Celebrations (PHOTOS)

It is not so often that the world greets a new nation into its fold, but that will be the case this Saturday when South Sudan becomes the UN's 193^rd member and the African Union's 54^th.

After a long-fought and bitter war against Sudan's north, Independence comes to a people who were left marginalized, underdeveloped, and up against huge challenges in the unified Sudan.

Practice runs for Saturday's independence festivities are under way, featuring traditional dancers, the national choir, and South Sudan's military. Everyone gathered together in the sweltering heat for a full dress rehearsal of the massive event.

Here's a look:

Photo: REUTERS

A tribeswoman smiles during preparations for the independence day ceremony scheduled for July 9, in Juba July 1, 2011. South Sudan splits away from the north on July 9 to create Africa's newest nation after southerners voted for secession under terms of a peace deal reached in 2005 to end a north-south civil war.

Photo: REUTERS

A tribeswoman wears traditional clothes during preparations for the independence day ceremony, scheduled for July 9, in Juba July 1, 2011. South Sudan splits away from the north on July 9 to create Africa's newest nation after southerners voted for secession under terms of a peace deal reached in 2005 to end a north-south civil war.

Photo: REUTERS

Musicians sit before the start of a rehearsal of the Independence Day ceremony in Juba July 5, 2011.

Photo: REUTERS

Men sing the South Sudan national anthem during a rehearsal of the Independence Day ceremony in Juba July 5, 2011.

Photo: REUTERS

A traditionally dressed man dances during a rehearsal of the Independence Day ceremony in Juba July 7, 2011. South Sudan splits away from the north on July 9 to create Africa's newest nation after southerners voted for secession under terms of a peace deal reached in 2005 to end a north-south civil war.

Photo: REUTERS

Members of the Agar Lmarol group from Lake state in Rumbek perform a traditional celebration dance during preparations for the Independence Day ceremony in Juba, South Sudan, July 6, 2011. South Sudan splits away from the north on July 9 to create Africa's newest nation after southerners voted for secession under terms of a peace deal reached in 2005 to end a north-south civil war.

Photo: REUTERS

A Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) soldier stands in line during a rehearsal of the Independence Day ceremony in Juba July 5, 2011.

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