The first elected president of the Government of Southern Sudan took today his oath of office in a ceremony marked by much joy and excessive security.
GoSS President Salva Kiir Mayardit promised to respect the Constituency, promote progress and unity in South Sudan, consolidate a decentralized system of governance and preserve the integrity and the dignity of Southern Sudanese.
The Speaker of Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly, James Wani Igga, presided over the swearing in ceremony Ð technically it was done during a seating of the Assembly with 168 MPs in attendance Ð and the President of Southern Sudan Supreme Court served the oath.
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, vice president Stephene Kalonzo Musyoka and former president Daniel arap Moi of Kenya and vice president Ali Osman Taha, and members of the diplomatic corps present in Juba were among the many dignitaries and people who filled John Garang Memorial to witness the inauguration of Mr. Kiir as the first elected GoSS president.