SPLA/M celebrate anniversary of South Sudan rebellion in Jonglei

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.

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’s decision to host the anniversary in Bor, where the rebellion began, have been 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 celebrations were further delayed by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir due to insecurity in the contested border area of Abyei and other areas.

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 main celebrations and a heavy rain storm which cut short the governor’s speech and other programs in the list, much of the event went ahead.

Several women’s groups dressed in different uniforms, chanted and sang praising the SPLA for the independence struggle.

As part of the 2005 peace the South voted in January to become independent in a referendum. After an overwhelming vote in favor of secession South Sudan will separate from the North on July 9.

The women also called upon the South Sudanese 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.

Addressing 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 at 5:00am.

Army garrisons in Ayod, Akobo and Pachalla also mutinied to dismantle the 1972 Addis Ababa agreement after the deal was undermined by President Gaafar Neimeiry.

John Garang became the leader of South Sudan rebels 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)