July 4, 2011 (JUBA) – Sudan’s president, Omar Hassan Al-Bashir and the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon have been earmarked as key speakers at South Sudan’s independence on Saturday, a programme released on Monday reveals.
On the eve of the event, according to Barnaba Benjamin Marial, the information and broadcasting minister, prayers, concerts and sports events will be conducted in the build up to the July 9 independence celebrations.
“On the eve of independence, citizens across southern Sudan will be encouraged to go to churches or gather in public squares to light candles and say prayers, to herald the birth of the new nation. Dancing and festivities will take place in villages across the country,” Marial told journalists.
The government announcement comes less than week after the Catholic Church initiated nine days of prayer based on the theme; “tolerance and harmonious inter-ethnic and inter-religious relationships”.
According to the information minister, bells and drums will be sounded at midnight on July 8 the eve of the Independence Day, to mark the historical transition from Southern Sudan to the ‘Republic of South Sudan’ (RSS).
Over 3,500 representative, including kings, chiefs and elders from across the 10 states of the semi-autonomous region, leaders from the business community, civil society, women groups and youth movement are expected at the celebration. Also earmarked for the historic event are foreign dignitaries, which will include some 30 African heads of state, foreign ministers, leaders of regional and multilateral organisations, as well as foreign ministers.
“It will be a historic occasion for all our people who have traveled a long and difficult road to the birth of this nation. We all know we face many challenges ahead – we will face them as united, peaceful and independent and build a stable and prosperous country,” Marial said.
Meanwhile the government says it expects over hundred thousand citizens to bear witness to events at Dr. John Garang mausoleum, via the live broadcast that will be on the state-owned South Sudan Television (SSTV). Millions globally are also expected follow live events from other international media outlets.
TIGHT SECURITY
The southern government has further assured its citizens and all invited dignitaries to rest assured of guaranteed security, saying security measures are being put in place all over southern Sudan to ensure a peaceful and orderly environment.
James Wani Igga, the speaker of South Sudan Legislative Assembly (SSLA) has been earmarked to proclaim the independence of the new nation, thus becoming Africa’s 54th and the world’s 193rd country (according to UN membership).
President Kirr, also one of the key speakers at the event is expected to sign the new transitional constitution, once Sudan’s flag is lowered and that of the new Republic of South Sudan is raised. The president will then take the oath of office as the first President of the Republic of South Sudan.
Also expected to grace the event will be a 21-gun salute, a parade of 1,500 people, comprising officers from the military, including the army, police, prison service, wildlife service and fire brigade.
(ST)