Eastern Equatoria State Marks South Sudan’s 4th Independence Anniversary

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"Before the separation, unity among Southern Sudanese existed but today there is nothing of that kind. What has gone wrong? Where has our original spirit of unity gone? We need peace for our coexistence,"

Eastern Equatoria State's Logir cultural dancers in action on 4th Anniversary of South Sudan Independence Day in Torit Freedom Square, 9 July 2015. [Photo| Peter Lokale]

By Peter Lokale Nakimangole

TORIT, 10 July 2015 [Gurtong] – Eastern Equatoria State, yesterday in its capital Torit including other Counties and Administrative Areas, joined the rest of the States in South Sudan, to mark the commemoration of the fourth Anniversary Day of Independence.

Addressing the crowd at Torit Freedom Square, the Organizing Committee’s Chairperson, Ochan John Bongomin who in his remarks welcomed the residents for the Thursday's occasion, said that the function was embraced by South Sudanese as a reminder of the day they got their freedom.

Torit Mayor, His Lordship Martin Odehi Ohuro who equally appreciated the turn up took the opportunity to persuade the public to utilize the current planting season and cultivate crops to fight against food insecurity in the region.

Also, seizing the opportunity to speak on behalf of the State youth, the State Interim Youth leader, Mr. Ukongo Martin Agura appealed to fellow youth to work hard for peace and development of the State.

He said since the youth constitutes two-thirds of the country's entire population, it was time for them to unite by standing in total solidarity in order to drive the new nation to prosperity.

Meanwhile, newly elected Women Association's leader in the State, Mrs. Josephine Nakuru declared support for the current State government under Hon. Louis Lobong Lojore saying her Organization appreciates the Governor's initiative to empower women.

Speaking on behalf of the State political parties, the Sudan African National Union President in the State level, Hon. William Odingila, congratulated the occasion's organizers for a successful commemoration of the occasion.

He pointed out that South Sudanese before the Independence stood together as one people, but are now divided.

"Before the separation, unity among Southern Sudanese existed but today there is nothing of that kind. What has gone wrong? Where has our original spirit of unity gone? We need peace for our coexistence," posed Hon. Odingila.

The Assembly’s Speaker Right Hon. Tobiolo Alberio Oromo expressed disappointment over communities who are still engaged in intra-conflicts in the State.

Pointing out to residents of Hiyala Payam in Torit he said, "Have you the people of Hiyala Payam, forgotten the little contributions you communally offered to the 21 years of liberation struggle? What is disturbing you?"

The Speaker was referring to the blood that was shed during the 21year of the struggle that South Sudanese fought to gain their independence.

Hon. Daniel Awet Akol strongly emphasized a call on South Sudanese communities and South Sudan’s leaders to embrace unity in order to realize security, stability and sustainable development.

Hon. Awet who once held the position of Governor in Lakes State gave hope to the public sayig that peace will soon be achieved In South Sudan as South Sudan’s leaders are committed in the peace talks.

Hon. Awet who was accompanied by the former Eastern Equatoria State Governors, Aloisio Emor Ojetuk and Abdallah Alahjabu, among other key leaders from Juba, informed the audience that "I have come in the companies of your sons to proudly and purposely join you here Torit, in order to give you encouragement for the commemoration of our dearly won independence as South Sudanese. I am very excited to tell you, congratulations. We should collectively move on peacefully so we achieve meaningful and sustainable development of our own country."

The State Governor, Louis Lobong Lojore, during the occasion, remarked, "Today, we have come here as one people and one nation to commemorate the hardly won independence of our motherland, the Republic of South Sudan..…With humility, I take this solemn opportunity to salute and congratulate you and all the people of South Sudan for this important day marking the fourth Anniversary of our independence."

The occasion was graced with different cultural dances and entertainment.

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