South Sudan: independence with style

Today, a country is born.

After decades of war, the southern region of Sudan officially became its own sovereign nation. Their independence comes after a January 2011 referendum where a whopping 99% of the population voted to separate from the north due to long-standing ethnic violence and political oppression.

Congratulations to South Sudan and its president, Salva Kiir Mayardit (pictured), the coolest-looking African President with a particularly Texan swagger.

They say it's crucial to make a fashionable entrance.

Move over, Gaddafi.