SPLA/M celebrate anniversary of South Sudan rebellion in Jonglei
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By John Actually
May 27, 2011 (BOR) - Thousands of soldiers from the Sudan People’s
Liberation Army (SPLA) marched in Bor town’s freedom square in
commemoration of the inception of southern rebellion that began in the
capital of Jonglei in 1983.
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SPLA marching in Celebaration of May 16 Commemoration in Bor. May 27, 2011 (ST)
The SPLA fought against the Khartoum government of presidents Gaafar
Nimeiri, Sadiq al-Mahdi and Omar Hassan al-Bashir. In 2005 the
political wing of the SPLA, the SPLM, signed a peace deal with
Khartoum ending decades of conflict. The deal made the SPLA the
official army of South Sudan and the SPLM the ruling party of a new
Government of South Sudan.
South Sudan government chose Jonglei to host the anniversary
celebrations but preparations were met with lots of difficulties and
the original date of May 16, the date when the first shot was fired,
was put back until May 26.
However the main celebration was further delayed by South Sudan’s
President Salva Kiir due to insecurity in the contested border area of
Abyei and other areas.
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Disabled soldiers fro the SPLA celebrating the movements anniversary
in Bor, Jonglei state, South Sudan. May 27, 2011 (ST)
The celebrations, organized at the state level, were attended by
citizens of South Sudan. However, attendees from South Kordofan, Abyei
and Blue Nile, which are situated North of the border but fought with
the South against Khartoum, also attended the celebrations.
As part of the celebrations SPLA troops marched through the square
demonstrating military hardware and saluting Jonglei state Governor
Kuol Manyang.
Despite the postponement of the man celebrations much of the event
went ahead. However, a heavy rain storm cut short governor’s speech
and other programs in the list.
Several women groups dressed in different uniforms, chanted and sang
praising the SPLA for independence struggle.
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Disabled soldiers fro the SPLA celebrating the movements anniversary
in Bor, Jonglei state, South Sudan. May 27, 2011 (ST)
As part of the 2005 peace the South voted to become independent in a
referendum in January. After an overwhelming vote in favor of
secession South Sudan will separate from the North on July 9.
The women also called upon the Southerners to embark on food
production to feed the hungry population of the new nation.
The representative of the women’s battalion, Colonel Akeer Deng Ayod
recognized the roles played by women in the SPLA movement and in the
South’s self determination referendum.
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Col. Akeer Deng Ayom addressing attendees of the SPLM/A anniversary
celebrations in Bor, Jonglei state, South Sudan. May 27, 2011 (ST)
Addressing the citizens in freedom square in Bor, Col. Deng said that
many women had died fighting in the civil war. She said that women
continue to play a major role in South Sudan.
Col. Deng asked women in the army and civil servants to work hard so
that they can improve the percentage of women working in public
positions.
In May, 16, 1983, a small group of soldiers from the Sudanese army,
headed by Karbino Kuanyin Bol, opened fire on northern troops
stationed at Malualchat. The first shot of the mutiny was fired at
5:00am.
Army garrisons in Ayod, Akobo and Pachalla also mutinied to dismantled
1972 Addis Ababa agreement after the deal was undermined by President
Gaafar Neimeiry.
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SPLA military hardware moving behind the SPLA march in Freedom square
in Bor, Jonglei state, South Sudan. May 27, 2011 (ST)
John Garang became the leader of South Sudan faction and led the
SPLA/M through more than two decades of civil war in which around 2
million people died according to UN estimates.
The May 16 celebrations are used each year to acknowledge those that
died and those who became disable during the conflict.
The Commander of division eight, Brigadier General, Bol Bol affirmed
that SPLA will not hesitate to defend its people and borders. He
claimed that SPLA forces have over ran and dislodged rebel forces
loyal to George Athor Deng and Peter Gadet Yak in Jonglei and Unity
states.
(ST)
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