On independence day, tributes and a spirit of justice
The day’s festivities were preceded by gunshots in the air at midnight Saturday. In a gesture to discharge ammunition as if to symbolise the end of all conflict in the region, organised military forces opened fire for two hours. No one was reported injured.
"Unity State celebrates peaceful independence day" by Bonifacio Taban
The government of Lakes State organised colourful independence celebrations that went off peacefully in all eight counties.
Today, we the people of South Sudan, here and in the diaspora, are moved by a sense of joy and exhilaration,” said John Marik Makur, speaker of the state parliament.
He added that 9 July marked a new beginning for both north and south, but minced no words in his take on South Sudan’s independence.
This was a time to liberate southerners from the bondage of slavery, poverty, deprivation, suffering and all forms of discrimination.”
Sudan has changed forever and it encompasses the end of the exploitation and subjugation of second-class citizenship,” he told citizens at the celebration.
South Sudan’s independence follows over five decades of struggle under domination by the Khartoum government.
Makur said South Sudanese have reached the end of denial and deprivation of fundamental social services, adding that the nation’s independence would lead to higher living standards and the pursuit of happiness across the region.
All martyrs in paradise will now feel that the noble mission they perished for has been achieved,” he said, and all the families of those who have lost their beloved sons and daughters in any form of disability by war-related consequences can now wipe away their tears.”
Celebrations in Torit, Eastern Equatoria - Photo by Arsenie Coseac
He commended South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who took his official oath of office yesterday in Juba, for his extraordinary prudence” during turbulent periods since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) of 2005, as well as his persevering, dedicated and unwavering commitment” to bring about nationhood.
The world’s 193rd nation faces immense challenges to overcome tribalism, poverty and corruption, a fact not overlooked in Makur’s speech. To that list of obstacles he added poor health facilities, laziness and a high rate of illiteracy” in the new republic. Democratic development and good governance, he said, are crucial for meeting these challenges head on.
Ayany Malou Makuany, a Rumbek resident, said, I am over-excited to see my country South Sudan as an independent state, the freedom fought for many years.”
In his view, the Government of South Sudan should put improvement of education standards at the top of its priority list to accommodate a generation of youth who missed a chance to attend school during 22 years of civil war.
The next war should be fighting illiteracy in South Sudan.”
Our fathers fought the war and died during the struggle; we grew up in the war and fought the war until the CPA was signed in 2005,” he said.
Lakes State Governor Chol Tong Mayay, who also addressed the crowd at Rumbek’s Freedom Square, described the event as a great day for us to enjoy and be proud of, as we just joined the community of sovereign nations.”
Mayay paid special tribute to war widows, orphans and those disabled during years of conflict for their sacrifices.
UN Photo by Paul Banks
Quoting the Bible’s Book of Ecclesiastes, he referred to a time for sorrow and a time for joy, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time for war and a time for peace.
Fifty years of civil war in Sudan were times for suffering and mourning,” he added. Today we have reached the day we have laboured for -- the time to rejoice -- and then have peace and celebrate it.”
In solemn recognition the war’s heavy toll, the governor said, As we are celebrating today, our hearts are heavy with memories of the pain and suffering we have endured throughout the struggle - yes, we are free at last.”
Renuka Chidambaram, state coordinator for the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) said UN is committed to providing technical assistance to the new nation.
Listen to Pascal Ladu's audio report: "A new flag flies over the Republic of South Sudan"
She urged the South Sudanese government to exert efforts to diminish poverty and reduce rates of both maternal and child mortality in the country.
Illustartion by Surian SoosayIn light of recent, violent attacks between rival groups in Lakes State, the governor emphasised the importance of bringing criminals to justice and ensuring lasting security, without which development cannot proceed.
Pledging greater efficiency, transparency and accountability in the state government, he also appealed to the women, men and youth of Lakes State to unite in self-sacrifice, forgiveness and dedication and for the sake of nation-building.
