South Sudan marks second Independence Anniversary
Marked under the theme Towards Nation Building and Prosperity for All” thousands of South Sudanese, including children and women gathered at Dr. John Garang Mausoleum to celebrate South Sudan’s Independence, gained two years ago on July 9, 2011.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Botswana’s Ian Khama, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and Somalia’s Hassan Mahmud were the African heads of state present. Amid tight security, the diplomatic corps and other foreigners residing in Juba joined the commemoration.
Thousands of people attended the celebration in South Sudan’s capital Juba, July 9.
Traditional dancers from Western Bar El-Ghazal, Lakes, Upper Nile and Central Equatoria states performed and entertained the gathering, joined by famous South Sudanese artists like Gordon Kong and Emmanuel Lasu.
The organised forces, both the army and the different police forces, opened the function with three helicopters hovering over the mausoleum site, showcasing their military equipments including heavy artilleries as they march.
All the heads of state and the South Sudanese President Salva Kiir paid tribute at the grave yard of Dr. John Garang De Mabior, the former leader of South Sudan’s ruling party (SPLM), who died in a helicopter crash just months after the war ended in 2005.
President Kiir in his speech promised a number of reforms addressing people’s basic needs and improving the salaries of the organised forces. He as well criticised rampant corruption and announced reforms in fighting crime, improving agriculture, providing clean water, health and education.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit addresses the people of South Sudan, July 9.
My government is determined to address these issues and create the necessary environment in which you can grow and develop into responsible citizens and leaders of this nation,” Kiir said.
Yoweri Museveni challenged South Sudan for its weak structures, saying strong states exploit weaker ones. With his speech, consisting mostly of proverbs, he called South Sudan to strengthen its political, economic and social structures.
The teeth which don’t have gaps among them are the ones which can chew meat properly. If you have got teeth which have got gaps among them you will not chew meat properly,” he said referring to how strong states can exploit weaker ones that do not have organised institutions.
The one who is stronger than you can come and get hold of you,” he said. Outsiders come here -- Africa -- use our resources and use them to oppress us,” adding weakness is not good”.
Many people praised this year's organisation of the function. Yeah this year I think it’s really far more organised than last year,” one of the attending journalists shared with The Niles.
A band marches to mark South Sudan’s Independence Anniversary, July 9.
Despite skeptical voices claiming there is nothing to celebrate in view of the critical challenges the country faces -- shutdown of oil, insecurity and the ongoing conflict with Khartoum -- many expressed their joy during the celebrations.
Jesus Deng, a youth who stayed for nearly 20 years in exile said despite the critical challenges, the achievement of peace and the independence of South Sudan can serve as a genuine reason to celebrate the day.
It’s really a long journey for South Sudanese to reach to this juncture. Decades of war have gone to a dignified end. We got our independence on July 9, 2011, and this is why we should celebrate it,” Deng told The Niles.
South Sudan gained its independence after decades of civil war, which was ended by a Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the southern rebels and the Government in Khartoum in 2005, paving way for a referendum and finally the country's independence. Estimated 2.5 million South Sudanese died during the struggle and many more were displaced.
