Put Ethnicity Aside For Referendum: Archbishop

The Catholic Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Juba His Grace Paulino Lukudu Loro has called upon the people of South Sudan to unite ahead of the upcoming referendum and put their ethnic differences aside in order to achieve the independence of South Sudan in January 2011.

Speaking on Friday last week during a peaceful demonstration held in Juba in support of separation of South Sudan, Archbishop Loro said his only fear was ethnicity, adding that if divided, South Sudanese might not be able to attain their dream of self-governance.

“Are you ready for separation? Yes!! Are you ready? Yes!! Your yes during the referendum is our way forward to getting our ever lasting freedom as people of South Sudan with dignity”, he told the excited crowd.

The Archbishop particularly called upon the women to pray through Jesus Christ and Mary the Mother of Jesus, pleading through them for the freedom of the South Sudanese in achieving their rights.

A woman demonstrator said she came to show her support for getting her rights recognised and respected.

“I have come to get my rights. After 50 years I want my rights respected and our children should get their rights and not remain second class citizens rather than first class in their own country. We therefore ask God to help us achieve this golden dream”, said the unidentified woman.

The peaceful demonstration was concluded with a word of prayer from the Archbishop.