Lakes state governor gives security assurances during referendum
By Manyang Mayom
November 10, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – The Governor of Lakes state Chol Tong Mayay, assured Church leaders gathering in Rumbek that full security protection will be provided during the south’s referendum on independence in January.
Addressing the congregation during the official launching of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ plenary, the governor said that security will be beefed up in his state, adding that the referendum will be conducted in a “free and fair atmosphere”.
Tong said that he believed citizens of Lakes state had already decided which option to take at the referendum. Most observers say that a vote for secession from the north is the most likely outcome of the vote.
Governor Tong said that inhabitants of Lakes State are free to campaign for either the unity of Sudan or separation.
The Governor recognized the work of the Church in Southern Sudan, and especially in Lakes State, citing the various learning institutions established and managed by the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek during the war and after.
Southern Sudanese are on the whole Christian or hold traditional African beliefs.
He expressed his appreciation of the role of the Church in advocating for Southern Sudan internationally as the semi-autonomous region prepares for its referendum.
He said the relationship between the Church and the State was vitally important during this time when the Southern Sudanese people are facing what has been described as “a choice of a lifetime”.
Some members of the Church are openly advocating for an independence vote, while others have said that it is not the place Church to take a stance ahead of the poll.
On Tuesday, all the governors from southern states that share a border with the north, held a meeting on referendum security in Western Bahr El Ghazal state.
Tensions on the border have increased in recent months as the referendum approaches with both north and south accusing the other of amassing troops near the border.
(ST)
Shadrack Nuer Machut
Lakes state governor gives security assurances during referendum
It is a pleasure to have full security in the state especially Lakes as governor assured the citizens or inhabitants of Lakes. It will be by law and order that full security will be obtained.
if there are those who think they are above the laws and orders then security is not effective. It is so obvious that those in powers take advantage instead of treating people equally they make choices bassed on relationship. where will simple people go and who’ll gaurd them if arrested unlawfully as it exists?
On the other hand, referendum in Lakes State is well defined by church leaders for civilians to the extend of no doubt for unity. If I was the governor I would not speak of every one is free to execrise either separation or unity becuse it is made clear by Bashir that people found talking of separation are jailed or sentenced to death.
Even if our Lakes’ governor talks of peaceful referendum and Bashir is seriously killing innocent students and ordinary civilians in Khartoum, then it is paradoxical.
It is a war between Bible and Quran, and tit for tat between north and south authorities, no compromise.
makuei
Lakes state governor gives security assurances during referendum
Really? Some christian religious leaders sitting on the fence on the pretext that it’s not right for the church to take sides? These people do not know what’s good for them and what is at the back of history as a source of conflict in Sudan. For how long has christianity been dictated upon by the Northern Islamists? Is it not high time we had a country where we are free to practice our religion withou any hindrance? Pretenders, think twice!!!!!
Raphael
Don-Don Malith Rual
Lakes state governor gives security assurances during referendum Comment by Don-Don Malith Rual Yath
In such addressing, may you take heart, and pray as follow you people off crush my fellow country men and women;
Let’s Pray
“Our father, who arts in heaven, hallowed be thy referendum .Thy independence come, It will be done on 9th January as it is in de (CPA) Comprehensive Peace Accord.Give us this country our daily Peace, And give us our right, as we give to those who want it from us. And lead us not into Unity. But deliver us from Marginalization. For this is the country,and Land of crush (blacks) people forever and, no matter what???? and ever Amen,
Be part of the History, vote for secession and win yourelf Africa’s brand new country South Sudan…..
New sudan Ohooo yeheee
Compiled by Don-Don Malith Rual
Perth Western Austrlia