South Sudan became the world’s newest nation early Saturday, July 9, officially breaking away from Sudan after two civil wars over five decades that cost the lives of millions.

The Republic of South Sudan earned independence at 12:01 a.m. Saturday (local time), breaking Africa’s largest country in two. It marked the culmination of a January independence vote, which was guaranteed in a 2005 peace deal that ended the most recent north-south war.

The deal that ended more than two decades of north-south war expired at midnight Friday. That’s when Sudan - which South Sudan is breaking away from - officially recognized the new country, The Associated Press reported.

South Sudan is expected to become the 193rd country recognized by the United Nations next week and the 54th UN member state in Africa.

Later Saturday, world leaders will attend a celebratory ceremony. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon already has arrived. Former U.S. secretary of state Colin Powell also will attend, as will Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, whose country already has recognized South Sudan.