South Sudan becomes 206th member nation of IOC

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Thomas Bach on Sunday announced South Sudan as the newest country to join OIC, following a unanimous vote by the global sporting body’s members.
“On behalf of all the IOC members and the Olympic movement, I would like to officially welcome the newest member of our Olympic family, the national Olympic committee of South Sudan.
“Congratulations on becoming our 206th member,’’ Bach said.
Bach thanked the Sudanese National Olympic Committee, which played a key role in helping its South Sudanese neighbour get the IOC recognition.
“It demonstrates what autonomy of sports from politics really means, because in spite of the political dispute between Sudan and South Sudan, you have worked together.
“We look forward to welcoming you to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where for the first time in your history, you will march behind your national flag.
“This will put your nation on the world map,’’ Bach added.
South Sudan, with a population of over eight million people, split from Sudan and became independent in 2011.
But in December 2013, a political power struggle broke up between its two most powerful leaders, plunging the young country into civil war, displacing over two million people.