CPA celebrations hit Yei with words of caution
It is five years down the road since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed, on 9 January 2005. The agreement to end the civil war between Northern and Southern Sudan is marked every year. This war was regarded as one of the longest wars on the continent of Africa. On Saturday, 9th January 2010, over five thousand people gathered at Yei's Freedom Square to take part in the celebration.
Reprensentatives from the Armed Forces, SPLM, NCP, Police, Churches and NGOs attended the CPA anniversary celebrations in Yei's Freedom Square.
The crowd that seemed excited chanted songs of victory. Among the crowds were representatives from almost all NGOs, Churches, the business world and the government. Both the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the National Congress Party (NCP), the two signatories to the CPA, were represented at the function. “Time for Genuine Democratic Transformation. Be united to reach the destiny” was the message written on a wide white cloth spread high for everyone to read.
The guest of honour at the party, the Commissioner of Yei, H.E. David Moses Lokonga, said “Referendum is almost here, so this is all upon you – choose for yourself. Has unity been made attractive to you, as stated in the agreement? The choice is yours”. He further told people that every Sudanese is responsible in decision making, in determining the destiny of the future Sudan – whether separation or unity between the South and the North. Referendum will give everyone a chance to choose hi/her own destiny, he urged, adding that according to the CPA places like Yei were supposed to be developed to almost the same standard as Khartoum by now.
H.E. David Moses Lokonga, the Commissioner of Yei.
Responding to a letter read by the youths representative, Mr. Sala Joseph, the Commissioner said that the government is not in position to employ everyone., emphasizing that:
“Even though Southern Sudan is treated unfairly as far as sharing of resources is concerned, we (referring to the Government of Southern Sudan - GOSS - and other stakeholders) have raised the standard of Yei from the scratch to where it is now. Schools, hospitals, electricity, and water sources are in place at least. Roads especially within the town have been constructed. This is a big achievement.”
However, in his remarks he urged people to remain committed in efforts to achieve total peace in order to help implement the CPA. He described law breakers, especially the armed robbers, as betrayers of the CPA, since they cause fear and instability in the county. He ordered the police to start hunting for such people because they have to face rule of law.
Nuer dancing in celebration of the CPA anniversary on 9th January
As is the custom in Yei, the colorful day was ended by cultural dances and performances. Tribes like Kakwa, Dinka, Mundari, Acholi among others performed cultural dances. And members of the Nuer tribe played their fighting tactics. These performances kept peoples' attention until late in the evening, despite the heat and dirt.
The peace Sudan is yearning for is not necessarily a cease fire, but it must go the extra mile. It is therefore everyone’s commitment to bring it. It starts right from one’s heart – willingness to embrace it and be an instrument of bringing it. In so doing we will reach our destiny.
