New Republic: S. Sudanese express their expectations

July 10, 2011 (JUBA) — On 9 July, the Republic of South Sudan (RSS) was officially declared Africa’s 54th nation, and is set to become the 193rd member of the UN at a colourful ceremony graced by 13 heads of states, senior UN officials, and representatives from the US, UK, Arab League and China, among others.

Hours before the historic event, security men patrolled the streets and the outskirts of Juba, the capital of RSS, checking vehicles and civilians headed for the functions. At the entrance designated for journalists, sniffer dogs were deployed to check all equipments.

Citizens raised their flags and chanted, “Oyee”, congratulating the new republic as Pagan Amum, the Secretary General of the ruling Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement (SPLM), compered.

Salva Kiir, the newly sworn-in president of RSS emphasised his zero tolerance policy on corruption, effective service delivery and institutional capacity building based on a broad-based and inclusive government.

Sudan Tribune interviewed some citizens about their expectations of the new government:

GUM THANY, 24 – Juba University student

The independence of the South Sudan, he said, came as a relief after years of war, poverty and untold suffering during which millions of South Sudanese lost their lives.

Leaders in the new republic, he urged, should focus on improving education, health care and the infrastructures within the once war-ravaged nation.

“Currently as you can see, our education system is still poor. The same applies to the poor state of the health sector. These are the challenges that our leaders in the new republic should tackle as a priority,” said Thany.

MABIOR MAKER, 35

According to Maker, the South Sudanese came from far and wide to attend one of the greatest moments in the history of the region.

“All that is now a thing of the past,” he said, adding that, “It’s now upon the new leaders of this new nation to steer us forward. We should neither look east nor west, but let’s look forward”.

Dressed in an outfit with US and South Sudan colours, Maker appealed to the government to tackle corruption among officials.

ELIJAH JACOB AJAK, 28 – War Disabled, Widows and Orphans Commission

The president of the new republic, Ajak told Sudan Tribune, should first focus on recognising disabled war veterans and families of those who lost their lives during the struggle that eventually led to the independence of the country.

“I think it’s important for the government of the new republic to first begin by recognising those who sacrificed their lives for this nation. This should also include providing support to the wives and children of those who lost their lives in during the struggle,” Ajak said.

The new leadership, he added, should further work towards uniting the various tribes within the country, and that any form of division based on ethnicity or tribal sentiments could plunge this nation back to war.

“Uniting the 57 tribes of South Sudan is essential in helping this country move forward in terms of economic prosperity and development,” said Ajak

CHOL WAN – ex-Coordinator 2011 Referendum Taskforce

The new nation, according to Luot, should now embark on strengthening their ties and relations with other countries, which he said are instrumental in steering economic development.

He also called for a sustained effort by the South Sudanese leadership to ensure that the new Republic of South Sudan’s is fully integrated in the East African community.

“Since 2005, President Salva Kiir has been engaged in strengthening South Sudan’s foreign policies with all its neighbours in order to establish good relations with these various countries. Am optimistic that this spirit will continue in the new country,” he said.

PETER ATEM, 35 – JEBU Referendum

“We are free at last after all these years of war and suffering. I am very happy for my government and all the people of South Sudan and now that we are free, the president will provide all the services that South Sudanese require,” said Atem.

(ST)