South Sudanese youth stage pro-separation rallies across region

November 9, 2010 (JUBA) — The thirst for separation among South Sudanese appeared to be clear on Tuesday as thousands of people marched along the streets of Juba, the semi-autonomous state capital, advocating for the timely conduct of the long-awaited referendum on self-determination.

The half-day occasion, organized by the Southern Sudan Youth Forum for Referendum (SSYFR) also took place in the other state capitals, with the main event held in Aweil, the provincial capital of Northern Bahr el Ghazal.

The referendum, which is scheduled for early next year is a key part of the Sudan’s 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA); the accord that ended over two decades of war fought between north and south.

The event started with a long procession, involving youth, women, and lawmakers, members of the international community as well as government officials, who marched from Juba football stadium before converging at the mausoleum for the leader of the southern movement who signed the 2005 peace deal John Garang de Mabior.

Among attendees were over 10 members from the Kenyan Parliament, part of the 30-member delegation on a courtesy visit to South Sudan, while 18 of their counterparts accompanied the SSYFR team on a similar mission in to Aweil.

The procession was characterized by huge banners, traditional dances, loud chants, with messages that clearly signaling that those participating intend to opt for independence when voting begins on January 9.

“We are tired of slavery. Separation is our ultimate goal. No to unity and yes for separation” a banner, held by two youth in orange shirts read.

Angelo Diing Dhel, SSYFR’s secretary for mobilization told Sudan Tribune that as a youth entity, they remain committed towards helping southerners realize a free, fair and transparent referendum that will reflect the decisions of the population.

He appealed to members of the international community to ensure that the referendum is held on time, despite the logistical challenges, which he said have caused set-backs to civic education and mobilization work.

Peter Atem, the Chairperson of Greater Equatoria, Bahr el Ghazal and Upper Nile (GIBU) referendum forum, urged the youth to play leading roles in creating awareness among the grass root communities through extensive civic education.

Turkana Central MP, Ekwee Ethuro, said that Southern Sudan referendum is an avenue for the population to express their right to determine their future rather than what Anglo-Egyptian rule and Khartoum governments since independence have imposed on them.

“The outcome of the forthcoming referendum needs to be respected at all costs. This is simply because it will reflect the decision of the majority and it’s important that the process is held in a peaceful manner,” the Turkana Central MP told Sudan Tribune.

His Kenyan counterpart, Charles Kilonzo said that as lawmakers, they remain committed in supporting the people of South Sudan, repeating calls for the full implementation of the CPA.

Kilonzo, who represents Yatta constituency said, “The option for peace as clearly spelt out in the CPA has to be maintained. That is why provisions of the CPA have to be fully implemented in letter and spirit.”

(ST)