By Ngor Deng Matem
A mammoth crowd of SPLM party members across four states of Bahr El Ghazal region and Abyei administrative area, have thronged Wau town for one day historical event.
SPLM chairman, Salva Kiir Mayardit is set to be officially endorsed in Wau town, probably today, as the party flag bearer for the anticipated election of December 2024.
Chairpersons of SPLM party in NBGs, Warrap, Lakes, Western Bahr El Ghazal states, and Abyei Chief Administrator met in Wau as a committee to prepare for the reception of the members.
It is not clear how many members of the ruling party are attending, but the office of the Chairman of the organizing committee, Governor Tong Akeen Ngor, disclosed that 5,000 members are expected from each state.
The State SPLM Chairpersons who are present include, Tong Akeen Ngor, Gen. Rin Tueny Mabior, Brig. Gen. Manhiem Bol Malek, and Zachariah Joseph Garang.
Some residents in Wau reported that the city is overcrowded.
“The number that has come to Wau since yesterday is huge.” Awad Ramadan, one resident of Wau town, said, “The hotels are all occupied, and many people do not have accommodations.
According to him, business centers are busy, and more especially, the restaurants have become very busy, and others get food stuff finished earlier.”
Nyanyai Cyer Rehan, a Warrap native who is currently in Wau, said since arrival, they have not had any accommodation because the hotel rooms are all booked.
“The worst part is that we people who are not accommodated—in fact, we are the majority—do not have anywhere to bathe or drink water,” she said.
“We could spend the day playing at the stadium here. Otherwise, the arrangements are very colorful, and I can say that the number that came must be more than a million people,” Cyer observed.
Another visitor, David Woll Garang Angok from Aweil, expressed happiness in spite of the challenges.
“Despite the challenges we face, such as lack of accommodation, feeding, and water for bathing and drinking, just because people are many, the event is well attended and arranged”.
“We are expecting our chairman, the President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, to join here in Wau Stadium.”
“The security in Wau is very friendly. We are all excited to celebrate the endorsement of our able chairman as flag bearer for the scheduled general elections,” Wol expressed.