Representatives of 11 African countries came to Juba to take part in the Independence Day celebrations under the theme ‘Towards effective nation building and prosperity for all.’
The presidents of Uganda, Rwanda, Somalia and Botswana welcomed President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s invitation, said present in the second anniversary of the independence and delivered speeches.
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda praised the development Juba registered in the last two years: he noted that the city went beyond Jebel Kujur and across the river.
He used three proverbs to illustrate his speech.
President Museveni said now that peace came it was time for both countries to work together to develop East Africa.
Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said regional cooperation is the way forward for Africa in the twenty-first century.
Ethiopia and DR Congo were represented by their deputy prime-ministers and Sudan, Angola, South Africa, Zambia and Kenya sent ministers.
The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Council Erastus Mwencha represented the AU.
The celebrations were attended by a large crowd that braved the sun and a long wait to celebrate together Independence Day.
The celebrations opened with prayers and included a display of traditional dancers, a parade by military and civilians, a three-helicopter formation fly-over, songs by the National Anthem Choir and some South Sudanese artists and six speeches.
Guests were treated with a luncheon before the evening programme at Nyakuron Cultural Centre.