The declaration of independence of South Sudan marks a new beginning in its history and represents a momentous occasion for its people, a dream that took 56 years to come true.
Salva Kiir Mayardit said in his Saturday’s speech that the celebration of independence should represent a new beginning for South Sudan marked by unity, tolerance and love.He added that cultural and ethnic diversity should be a source of pride and strength, not of conflict.
He urged citizens from different communities to remember that first of all they are South Sudanese.
Mr. Kiir called all South Sudanese citizens to rally behind economic development.
He recognized that South Sudan’s indices of human welfare are very low.
He urged every citizen to dedicate energy and resources to build the economy of South Sudan.
Mr. Kiir said official corruption was one of the major challenges the government faced in the past six years and he vowed not to tolerate it anymore.
He declared a public amnesty to all those who rebelled against the government of South Sudan.
Mr. Kiir promised that South Sudan will live in peace with all its neighbours.