Security tightened in Unity State ahead of 2nd anniversary celebrations
By Bonifacio Taban
June 7, 2013 (BENTIU) – Security in Unity State has been tightened ahead of second independence anniversary celebrations slated for Tuesday this week.
The state’s security advisor, Manyiew Dak, told the Sudan Tribune on Sunday that police had deployed more personnel in nine counties to protect civilians during the event in which the country will celebrate the fruits of independence as well as pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the independence struggle.
“As the state government we have tightened security and continue to monitor the movement of our people to make sure that nothing will harm them as they celebrate the 2nd anniversary”, said Dak..
Dak added that the independence celebration is a day for the people of South Sudan to congratulate themselves for choosing independence from Sudan in the 2012 referendum.
In interviews with the Sudan Tribune, several residents in Unity State capital Bentiu said they were looking forward to the day. Nyakong Chang, a 30 year old, Bentiu resident walked 30 kilometer to collect black, red and white clay for smearing the front of her tukul (hut) to mark Independence Day. Chang said her effort to neaten her house before the celebrations is an expression of patriotism.
Gatkoi Bol Yang, another resident of Bentiu said the independence day celebrations fills him with joy and urged locals to come in big numbers to show the world that South Sudan is not a failed state despite having what he called a “failed leadership.” Bol Yang pointed out corruption in the country as one of the things that the leadership of the country has failed to address but said he was optimistic that leaders capable of addressing the vice would be voted in come 2015 general elections.
As South Sudan gears to mark the 2nd independent anniversary celebrations its citizens still face many challenges including cattle raids along its border states, corruption in public offices and rebellion in the troubled Jonglei state ,all of which have hindered effective public service delivery.
(ST)