South Sudan

South Sudan became independent of Sudan on 9 July 2011. Sudan gained its independence from Britain and Egypt in 1956. Southerners were however not able to participate fully in the political system of Sudan, leading to prolonged conflict.

A Comprehensive Peace Agreement, signed in January 2005, gave the South a six-year period of autonomy to be followed by a referendum on final status, in which 98% of southerners voted in favour of secession.

South Sudan has a legal system primarily based on English common law and customary law. Laws passed during the period of autonomy continue to apply.

The Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan 2011, effective 9 July 2011, has fair trial and freedom from torture provisions.

The laws of South Sudan are available here.