By Ginaba Lino
The SPLM/SPLA Secretariat has announced major activities to mark the 16 May celebrations, which will be held at Juba National Stadium, where President Salva Kiir Mayardit is expected to address the nation.
The SPLM/SPLA Day commemorates the liberation struggle that lasted for 21 years until South Sudan gained independence in July 2011.
Speaking to journalists, the Deputy Secretary, who is currently acting on behalf of the SPLM Secretary General, Cde. Amb. Jimmy Atilio said the Chairman of the SPLM Party and President of the Republic of South Sudan will deliver the main national address during the celebrations.
“You know, the president, His Excellency, the Chairman of the SPLM and the President of the Republic of South Sudan, will have the main message for the country. He will be having a national address. From there, you will hear where the vision is going to be.”
This will mark the first official SPLM celebration since the conflict erupted in 2013 between the SPLM in government and the opposition. This year’s theme is: “Towards a Peaceful and Prosperous South Sudan.”
Amb. Jimmy emphasized that the celebrations would begin with the welcoming of His Excellency, Comrade Chairman of the SPLM Salva Kiir Mayardit, on Wednesday at Juba International Airport upon his arrival from Uganda.
“This is a sign of respect and solidarity during this important season. We will welcome him as we welcomed him during the liberation struggle.”
He added that the anniversary celebrations at Juba National Stadium on 16 May will feature wrestling competitions, cultural dances, comedy performances, and revolutionary songs.
“We will be having wrestling that day, and we will also have more cultural events, comedians, musicians from the youth and elderly people, revolutionary songs from the liberation time, and many other activities. Wrestling will start in the morning, involving participants from Lakes State, Jonglei State, and Central Equatoria State.”
Jimmy highlighted the significance of SPLM Day and reflected on the party’s historical struggle against injustice and inequality.
“In our manifesto, SPLM Day is a revolutionary day. It is the day South Sudanese rose against injustice, inequality, and many historical issues such as the digging of the Jonglei Canal, Arabization and Islamization policies against the people of South Sudan, socio-economic oppression, and many other forms of injustice by the then Sudan.”
He called on the people of South Sudan to take responsibility for maintaining the country’s unity and prosperity.