The Government of South Sudan has presented the programme for the independence celebrations that includes a host of concerts, sports events, religious prayers and official acts across the ten states.
GoSS spokesman Barnaba Marial Benjamin told the press today that the main events take place on July 8, 9 and 10.He called upon South Sudanese to say prayers on the eve of independence and share a meal together.
He urged the public to beat drums at the zero hours of Saturday while churches ring their bells to mark the beginning of the Republic of South Sudan. However, he cautioned against shooting guns.
On Saturday July 9, the official program will begin at 10 AM at Dr. John Garang’s Mausoleum in Juba and it lasts until the early afternoon, with a parade, official acts and speeches.
Mr. Marial said some 3,500 representatives including kings, chiefs and elders from the ten states will be present in Juba.
He added that some 30 heads of state from Africa and dignitaries from all the five continents will attend the proclamation of independence in Juba.
Speaker James Wani Igga is tasked with the proclamation of independence of the Republic of South Sudan followed by the lowering of Sudan’s flag and the raising of South Sudan’s standard.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit will then sign the new Transitional Constitution into force and take the oath of Office as the first President of the Republic of South Sudan.
Dr. Marial said President Omar al-Bashir will be one of the speakers at the event.
During the ceremony, the National Choir and hundreds of young South Sudanese will lead the singing of the new National Anthem.
There is also a parade of 1,500 members of the organized forces, including the Army, Police, Prison Service, Wildlife Service and Fire Brigade.
Six groups will perform traditional dances from different parts of South Sudan.
Saturday celebration concludes with an open-air concert of folk music.
The celebrations include also a football match between the national teams of South Sudan and Kenya on Sunday and a basketball game against Uganda on Monday.
Dr. Marial said security measures are being put in place all over South Sudan to ensure a peaceful and orderly environment for the Independence celebrations.