Silent and peaceful celebration of South Sudan’s 12th Independence anniversary was ideal.
For many, occasions like this would be observed in public grounds with speeches from leaders and other dignitaries as well as traditional dancers presenting their arts, alas, we had covid-19 era event.
In summary the event was decentralized and more importantly peaceful.
A crowd is not necessarily a gist to interesting an occasion but the realization of the endpoint in this case peace rules above every individual human perceived aspect
After, every citizen observed the anniversary in their own manner at states, counties and households, making it worth remembering.
Juba City residents spend two nights socializing at joints despite the mayor’s embargo on discos but he didn’t stop music playing nor stopped gatherings.
Everybody had the privilege to mark the day on their own way without hindrances; indeed it was freedom in style.
A key subject of the day was not to indulge ourselves but a moment of reflection and paying homage to heroes and heroines who selflessly sacrificed their blood for freedom of this nation. It was ideal to celebrate the day in silence and in reflection.
South Sudan did not get this independence in silver platter but earned through over 50 years bloody struggles, starting in 1955 with Torit uprising.
The 21 years sacrifice of Late Dr. John Garang Mabior can best be observed in reflection and silence.
Independent South Sudan has registered remarkable achievements, not without challenges, some of which are still to be tackled but only in self-reflection that we shall find a way out of the abyss.
As signatories to Revitalized Agreement, President Salva Kiir’s pledge of peaceful elections, goes beyond words, it’s a delicious cake of the day that every citizen waits to taste, come December 2024.
Many speakers would spoil the broth; the statement of the president summarizes all our aspirations.