Messages of #LoveFromSudan

"Sudan has become nearly synonymous with internal strife in the past years, but on the occasion of South Sudan’s independence on July 9, a group of northerners reached out to give their support to their former countrymen and new neighbours to the south. Both in an online video and with a Twitter hashtag, the northerners have been expressing their 'love from Sudan.'

In a project begun by blogger Mo Elzubeir, Sudanese from the north were invited to record video messages for the citizens of the world’s newest nation to the south. Asking for submissions on his blog and on a message board he wrote: 'This is an open call to any Sudanese who would like to send a message of love to our brothers and sisters of South Sudan.'

The resulting video, posted to YouTube the day the South became independent, features various people speaking to the camera or holding up text cards. Leena Khalifa recorded a message saying, 'I really do hope this independence brings you the peace you’ve fought so long for. I wish you nothing but luck and I can’t wait to visit.'"