James Otto lost five of his seven brothers in the war against North Sudan. 

So today, as South Sudan declared independence from North Sudan and became the world’s newest country, Otto expressed “great relief” and “true happiness” that their sacrifice led to this day. 

“They died for this cause,” said Otto, 40, who joined several thousand others today at the Portland Expo to celebrate South Sudan’s new independence.

“We finally are seeing the fruit of their work. Today is truly a day to celebrate.”

After decades of war, the Christian-dominated South Sudan separated from the Muslim-dominated North Sudan this weekend, thanks in large part to pressure from American celebrities and diplomats.

Portland has one of the largest Sudanese-American populations in the country, and the local South Sudanese immigrants threw a celebration that began at noon at the Expo and will last until midnight.

In the early afternoon, many attendees waved South Sudanese flags and flag pins. Women wore colorful dresses and men wore pinstriped suits and tuxedos, and many partook in traditional dance and food.

The day, however, had mixed emotions. At a march to the Expo, which kicked off the day’s festivities, many of the Sudanese in attendance cried and tightly held their loved ones, remembering the family members and friends lost in the civil war.