South Sudan institutions brainstorm on future national anthem

August 7, 2010 (JUBA) – As the people of Southern Sudan are only five months away from determining their political destiny in the upcoming referendum, organizations or institutions in the government as well as individuals have already begun to brainstorm on the would-be name of the future independent state and its national anthem in addition to how its flag would look like.

While the task for the name of the emerging independent country, its national anthem as well as its flag is officially entrusted to the formed 2011 Taskforce chaired by the Vice President, Riek Machar, with the regional parliament to finally approve the outcome, various organizations have been contributing suggestions that can be scrutinized by the Taskforce.

After conducting a workshop on national anthem, Colonel Malaak Ayuen, who is currently in charge of information and public relations desk at the General Headquarters of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in Bilpam, presented on Southern Sudan TV (SSTV) on Saturday the outcome of his group’s brainstorming during the workshop.

Col. Malaak came out publicly and explained on TV that their group workshop preferred that the name of the anthem would be referring to Southern Sudan as the ‘Land of Cush.’ He said they came up with seven components that would make up the national anthem in case the South becomes independent in the next five months.

These seven components to be considered in the national anthem would include, but not limited to, History, Land, People, Struggle, Sacrifices, Destination and Flag.

In the History he said the anthem would begin by praising God, being the architect of ancient world civilization, the Southern Sudanese history and rich cultures, ethics and values as well as glory and victories.

With the Land, Malaak referred to Southern Sudan as the Garden of Eden, blessed with many riches such as oil underneath it and abundant water on the surface, mountains, valleys and its brave people who have love for their land.

While about the People, the army’s public relations officer explained that the people of Southern Sudan are Biblical Africans as revealed in Isaiah 18; have unity in diversity, peace-loving and people with determination, commitment to hard work and nation building.

In the Struggle, he said, it should be about freedom, justice and dignity, peace and prosperity, equality as well as referring to the people of Southern Sudan as black warriors committed to defend the land, people and flag. In Sacrifices it would refer to heroism of the countless martyrs who have paid their ultimate price during the long time struggle for freedom.

While Destination would also be about achievement of freedom, peace, equality and prosperity as well as unity in diversity and glorious nation, the Flag would be to symbolize the sovereignty of the nation, unity and dignity of the people of Southern Sudan.

As suggestions are expected to come from many different sources, the government’s 2011 Taskforce, especially its sub-committee number 3 on post-2011 governance, which is headed by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Kosti Manibe, is tasked with the responsibility to officially recommend to the government and the people the name of the would-be independent state, its national anthem as well as its flag, among many other issues.

ST