Jonglei citizens express disappointment over postponement of SPLA celebration

May 17, 2011 (JUBA) – Citizens of Jonglei state have expressed disappointment over the postponement of the celebration, marking the 28th anniversary of the founding of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), which was scheduled to take place on May 16 in the state.

The SPLA and its political wing, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), was founded in the Ethiopian border town of Itang and headquartered in Bilpam in 1983. This came as a result of the May 16 mutiny of southern components of the former soldiers of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) which were stationed in Bor town, followed by another rebellion in Ayod, under the commands of Kerubino Kwanyin Bol and late William Nyuon Bany, respectively. Both towns are located in Jonglei state.

The state citizens expected that the final celebration which marks the closure of the liberation struggle and welcoming of the dawn of independence of the people of South Sudan should have rightfully been conducted in the state on its traditional exact day, which is May 16.

Last week Jonglei state government announced that it was ready to host the event, saying all the needed preparations were in place.

However, the SPLM Secretary for Political Organization, Antipas Nyok, told the press in Juba on May 14 that Bor celebration had been postponed to a future unknown day. Nyok cited lack of readiness in Bor town to host the main celebration with the presence of the top leadership in South Sudan.

On Monday, May 16, various states in South Sudan including Central Equatoria which hosts the seat of the semi-autonomous government (GoSS), celebrated the event. The President of the Government of Southern Sudan, Chairman of the SPLM and Commander-in-Chief of the SPLA, Salva Kiir Mayardit, did not attend the Juba celebration on Monday despite earlier announcement by different broadcasting media that he was going to attend the event.

Sudan Tribune gathered reactions from citizens of the designated Jonglei state who currently reside in Juba following the celebration by Central Equatoria state on Monday.

“I am disappointed because I had expected my state [Jonglei] to host the SPLA/SPLM May 16 celebration as this is where the first bullet was fired in Bor in 1983,” explained Deng Alier, a business person in Juba. “Why postpone the celebration in the last minute while the state government a week ago announced its readiness to host it?” he further inquired.

“I don’t think they are going to organize the celebration in Bor any time in the near future. And even if they plan to do so, it will not sound good because the target date [May 16] has already been missed,” said Gatkuoth Tut, another citizen of the state. “We [in Jonglei] launched the war on 16 May 1983 and should have rightfully hosted the announcement of its result to independence on the same day, 16 May 2011,” he continued.

Last week, Jonglei state governor, Kuol Manyang Juuk, praised his state in a public statement to the media, saying it led the struggle for freedom since 1920s. He described Jonglei as the revolutionary arena of the liberation struggle since the time of Guek Ngundeng.

“Jonglei state is the land of revolution that had closed up gap against colonialism; it is where Guek Ngundeng resisted against British administration in early 1920s. He fought against the British until he brought down a British aircraft, the first ever done in Africa,” explained Governor Juuk.

Juuk also said the sons of his state contributed to the wars of the Anya-Nyas and recalled Gai Tut, Majier Gai, Abdalla Chuol, Philip Manyoun, among many others. Late John Garang, the founder of the SPLA/SPLM, also comes from Jonglei state.

“We are proud to be the first state that led the struggle and revolution of South Sudan, not only that but also during the war of liberation Jonglei did a lot in terms of contribution,” he further explained.

The day is yet to be officially announced by the government when the main SPLA celebration will take place in Bor as initially designated.

(ST)