Official independence would be declared in July this year . Fighting broke out Thursday in April , near the border between northern , southern Sudan . Soldiers loyal to militia leader Gabriel Tang refused to turn in their weapons . Tang had fought alongside government and loyalist forces in southern Sudan . Southern Sudan voted last year on a referendum for independence .
Fighting broke out Thursday in April , near the border between northern , southern Sudan . Soldiers loyal to militia leader Gabriel Tang refused to turn in their weapons . Tang had fought alongside government and loyalist forces in southern Sudan . Southern Sudan voted last year on a referendum for independence .