South Sudan Independence: John Garang’s home celebrates in style

July 11, 2011 (BOR) – Citizens of Twic East county, the birth place of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement / Army (SPLM/A) founder, the late John Garang, celebrated the declaration of independence Republic of South Sudan on Saturday, proud of their countryman.

Celebrations for the birth Republic of South Sudan, were marked on 9 July following January’s referendum promised in the 2005 peace accord that ended decades of civil war in the Sudan. The former southern rebels, the SPLM/A signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) with the Khartoum government ending the 1983—2005 rebellion led by John Garang who hailed from Twic East, Jonglei state.

Garang died in a helicopter crash on 30 July, 2005 – three weeks after becoming the Vice President of the Republic of the Sudan.

Many citizens and representatives from the state legislative assembly attended celebrations in Panyagor, the headquarters of Twic East county.

“We are very proud because the dream has come true,” said Dau Akooi Jurkuch, the commissioner of Twic East county on Saturday. “For Madam Rebecca [wife of late Garang] and his sons and daughters, Dr. John Garang never died in vain. This freedom for the people of South Sudan is your everlasting father,” the commissioner added.

Present at the three day event were members of Jonglei state assembly including John Amuor Kuol, Peter Deng Aguer and Deu Aguil, Bishop of Twic East diocese Ezekiel Ding Malangdit, Bishop of the Reform Church Daniel Dau, Twic East Paramount chief Duot Ajang, SPLM secretary in Twic county among others.

Thousands of local residents attended including musician Nyapaleu, youth from cattle camps who displayed their oxen and performed traditional dances. Several cattle were sacrificed.

(ST)