By Joseph Ernesto
As South Sudan celebrates its Independence Day, yesterday 9th July 2024, the king of the Azande Kingdom has issued a powerful call for the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) to recognize the national uniform as a symbol that belongs to the entire nation, not to any individual or ethnic group.
“The SSPDF uniform is not the property of any one person or group, it is the symbol of our nation, South Sudan,” the Azande King declared in a speech delivered to a large gathering of the SSPDF div 16 battalion at the palace.
In an address, King Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue urged all South Sudanese to regain trust in each other and this call for unity and trust resonates with many South Sudanese who have been grappling with the aftermath of the country’s civil war.
“We must remember that the SSPDF is a national institution, tasked with protecting and serving all the people of South Sudan,” the King emphasized. “The uniform they wear should be a source of pride for every citizen, regardless of their background.”
He continued, “The SSPDF uniform symbolizes our shared struggle, sacrifices, and aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan,” the King said. “It is time for us to reclaim this uniform as a unifying force, and to stand together as one nation, indivisible.”
As South Sudan celebrates its independence, he added that it’s important to rededicate to the ideals of unity, equality, and justice that the nation was founded upon.
The country was proclaimed independence on July 9th, 2022, becoming the world’s newest nation after decades of ferocious wars fought between the north and the South of Sudan.
“Independence is Hard Work and Services Delivered”, Says Hon. Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro the Minister of Presidential Affairs
By Elias Ginana
In a powerful message to the nation during the celebration of the 13th Independence Day of South Sudan, Hon. Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro the Minister of Presidential Affairs, underscored the essence of South Sudanese independence, urging citizens to view it through the lens of hard work and service.
According to Bakosoro, true independence transcends mere political sovereignty, manifesting instead in the tangible improvement of citizens’ lives.
“Independence should be realized through hard work and services; that is the full meaning of independence for our people and the nation at large,” Bakosoro declared. He painted a stark picture of the current challenges faced by many South Sudanese, highlighting issues such as hunger, displacement by wars, discrimination, and inadequate education.
“When people are hungry, displaced by wars, discriminated against, and lack proper education, it makes people live in a state of slavery within their own homes and country,” he explained.
He acknowledged the significant strides the government has made toward peace but admitted that the is far from over. “The Government is struggling to make total peace in the Country because there are still elements of wars in different parts of the Country”.
Addressing the pervasive issue of tribalism. Hon Bakosoro issued a stern warning to both citizens and political elites warned both citizens and political elites to stop tribalism, discrimination, and hatred among themselves to live in a peaceful environment with each other.
