South Sudan independence referendum result expected

The final results of Southern Sudan's referendum on independence are due to be announced, with jubilant scenes expected on the streets of the southern capital Juba.

Provisional results showing nearly 99% in favour of dividing Africa's biggest country are expected to be confirmed.

January's referendum was agreed as part of a 2005 peace deal ending more than two decades of civil war between the south and north Sudan.

Although the vote was peaceful, tension remains high in parts of the oil-rich border region.

The BBC's James Copnall reports from Khartoum.