South Sudan marks SPLA Day

South Sudan Monday marked the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) Day.

The day commemorates the 1983 mutinies in Bor in Jonglei State that sparked off more than two decades of civil war that culminated in the independence of South Sudan in 2011.

The 33rd anniversary was dedicated to the fallen fighters and non-combatants who contributed to the liberation of the young nation's 21 years of struggle.

The army spokesman, Brigadier General Lul Ruai described the day as the ‘apex’ of all the sacrifices made for the war-ravaged South Sudan.

“For SPLA, it is a climax of all the sacrifices we made. The sacrifices we made are not in vain, because they resulted in the liberation of this country and today we have an independent state that came about as a result of our sacrifices,”

Brig Gen Ruai said in Juba.

He said the SPLA Day provided an opportunity for every South Sudanese to observe a moment of reflection on the huge sacrifices made by their sons and daughters in the war of liberation and thanked all those who took part in the struggle.

In another development, the South Sudan Second Vice-President, Mr James Wani Igga, has called on all his compatriots to endeavour to ensure peaceful co-existence through reconciliation and forgiveness.

Mr Igga said development could only take place in an atmosphere of peace and political stability.

He expressed the sentiments in a message delivered in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi for peace campaign and mobilisation on Sunday.

Mr Igga was accompanied by the Energy and Mining minister, Gen Taban Deng Gai.

Gen Gai is the former chief mediator of the opposition faction under Dr Riek Machar.

Mr Igga admitted that there were numerous hurdles facing the unity government formed last month, but pointed out that they could be overcome by bold decisions.

“I promise we will equally resolve those matters amicably. This is the only choice for us to relieve our people from the undeserved suffering associated with the armed conflict,” Mr Igga said referring to the two-year conflict which ended with the formation of unity government.