Southern Sudan Faces 'Many Challenges' As It Becomes A Nation

In the streets of south Sudan this weekend, there will likely be violence amid the celebrations: after five decades of fighting, the Republic of South Sudan becomes an independent country Saturday.

Among those who will be closely monitoring the event is Boston pediatrician and activist Dr. Gloria White-Hammond. She regularly visits southern Sudan to do humanitarian work, and she co-founded the group "My Sister's Keeper," which helps Sudanese women.

White-Hammond joined Morning Edition Friday to talk about what's ahead for the world's newest nation, as well some of the challenges it will face.