A LETTER TO SOUTH SUDAN:

A LETTER TO SOUTH SUDAN:

Happy anniversary,

Yesterday, July 9^th you turned 1. Happy first anniversary as an  independent state! Africa’s 54^th nation, Africa’s youngest daughter and United Nation’s 193^rd member state.

How I wish I was there to see the smiles and joy on your face. But never the less, even as I sit over here in Kenya, where you were born, I rejoice over you.

The “separation of the Siamese twins” as one author chose to put it, in reference to the intractable relations between the Arab North and Black Southerners, mostly Christians.

Even in this moment of celebrations we cannot forget the “self determination” of those who have gone before us. Those whom in other annals they term “rebels” yet because of them, we enjoy the fruits of freedom and the broken chains of oppression.

At 1, you struggle to walk and the challenges you have faced so far have only come to strengthen you. If I was to reconstruct everything then I will say I see erected lamp posts, set high to light you paths to hot spots.

Hot spots such as Abyei, Heglig, Southern Kordofan, Darfur and the Great Blue Nile.

Sudan’s People Liberation Movement led by Dr John Garang, who was killed in a plane crash on July 30, 2005 as he left Uganda, barely 7 months after signing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that paved way for your independence, would have been proud of this day.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit, his successor has proved his statesmanship and the quest to guide South Sudanese to independence.

Challenges of corruption, nation building, economic development, border disputes and other unresolved challenges still linger before you.

Like the Greek Mythology Titans, it is your undying self determination to see a better South Sudan that will see you overcome these challenges.

As I finish, I echo your president’s words during the independence celebrations;

           “We have not forgotten you

               When you cry we cry.

                       When you bleed,

                  We bleed.

                  I pledge to you

                   That we will find a just peace for all!”

Long live South Sudan!