Sudan’s SPLM postpones celebration of Obama’s election

November 22, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has postponed the celebration of Barack Obama’s election as the 44th President of the United States of America due to the death of Abdel-Nabi Ahmed, the Secretary General of Umma party.

In a statement issued today evening the SPLM deputy secretary general for northern Sudan, Yasir Arman announced the postponement of the celebration of Obama’s election which was scheduled for today evening at the premises of the SPLM in Khartoum.

“The celebration would be held next Saturday at the same time and venue” said Arman.

The SPLM said in an invitation for the event “the Sudan, need to celebrate the victory of Barak Obama at this important juncture of our history that extend back to seven thousands years of historical and contemporary diversity of cultures and religions.”

“The election of Barak Obama represents a true moment of reconciliation and our country, at this moment, is in a dire need to reconcile with itself in order to cross to the other riverbank of citizens’ equal rights.”

However the celebration was criticised by some southerners who consider Bush administration and the Republican Party as friends of Southern Sudan because the current administration had sponsored the Naivasha talks and provided support to the south after peace. Also, sceptics consider the new administration would focus on Darfur.

The election of Obama on November 4 was welcomed in different countries in the world particularly in Africa. Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki declared a public holiday Thursday November 6 in the country of Obama’s late father, allowing celebrations to continue through the night and into a second day.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the first woman elected to head an African country, said she did not expect to see a black American president in her lifetime. “All Africans now know that if you persevere, all things are possible,” she said.

(ST)