War veterans day celebrated in South Sudan

By Amoko Robert

August 23, 2011 (JUBA) – War veterans day was colourfully celebrated on Tuesday in Juba for the capital of the Republic of South Sudan for the first time since the country’s independence.

South Sudan’s Director General of war veteran affairs in the Republic of south Sudan Brig. Gen Augustino Ali Luwaya said the day would remind the new generation of the nationalistic and bold decision to revolt against Khartoum.

“Our leadership declared this day as a ‘veteran day’ to be commemorated every year in honour of those who took up arms against the oppressors [in Khartoum]”, he said.

The Brigadier General said that it is important to note the key role war veterans played in South Sudan’s struggle for self determination. After a peace deal with Khartoum in 2005, South Sudan held a referendum in January which saw a momentous vote for independence, which was achieved on July 9th.

The commemoration of this year was celebrated under the theme, “we honor our veterans on this day because it marks the end of slavery, oppression against marginalization”.

“To our veterans, there is no tribute, no commemoration, no praise that can truly match the magnitude of your service and sacrifice. This nation will remain the land of [the] free only so long as it is the home of the brave”.

Luwaya recalled that the August 18 2011 marks the 56th anniversary of the Torit revolution, the day South Sudan’s revolted began. The first civil war ended in 1973 but restarted in 1983. South Sudan’s numerous grievances included economic and political marginalisation, implementation of Shari’a Law in the Christian and African orientated region, disputes over Nile water and the failure to implement the previous peace deal.

“This year is the year of harvest for the struggle of the people of South Sudan after losing millions of lives”. The UN estimate that two million people died and four million were displaced in the two decade conflict.

Luwaya called on the government of South Sudan to decentralise its administration and provide services to veterans.

The war veteran suggested that a monument be constructed in every county of the Republic of South Sudan bearing the list of the fallen heroes and heroines so that all citizens remember them for generations. He said that badges and certificates of recognition should be awarded to the veterans as a sign of recognition.

(ST)