After the coup of 1989 by President Omar al-Bashir, South Sudan remained under Sudan for 16 years. On 9 January 2005, a comprehensive peace agreement was signed in Nairobi Kenya at Nyayo stadium which gave a green light to self-determination.[5] As told by late Dr. John Garang de Mabior, "South Sudanese will eventually seek to remain a state through self-determination process in term of Referendum to decide either to remain under United Sudan or as New Sudan which will be seen in amicable separation."[citation needed]