Peter Banya, Deputy City Commissioner of Pece-Laroo Division, has appealed to South Sudanese nationals in Gulu City to maintain peace and avoid violence during today’s Independence Day celebrations.
South Sudan marks its Independence Day every July 9, commemorating its 2011 break from the Republic of Sudan.
Banya urges the South Sudanese community leaders to organize celebrations responsibly in order to prevent criminal incidents.
He also advises celebrants to coordinate with security personnel to ensure a safe, incident-free event.
Kamacol John, a South Sudanese national in Gulu, says the community held prior meetings and appointed security to manage the venue and prevent disturbances.
However, some residents expressed concern.
Simon Otto, a Gulu City resident, claims that past celebrations had seen violence and calls for police and army deployment at event venues.
Otto urges South Sudanese to “learn to coexist peacefully rather than fight and hurt others.”
South Sudan’s path to independence began with the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which granted the south autonomy and promised a referendum.
In January 2011, South Sudanese voted overwhelmingly for independence, which was formally declared on July 9, 2011.
By Owen Odong
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