![South Sudan youth ride atop a bus as they chant slogans in support of the referendum on southern independence in Juba, January 4, 2011. [Photo credit REUTERS]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/south_sudan_youth001.jpg?resize=1024%2C645&quality=89&ssl=1)
This marks the tenth consecutive year without a state-organized celebration for South Sudan’s independence day, which falls on July 9th. Tomorrow marks the 13th independence anniversary.
“There will be no official government function due to the economic challenges the country is facing,” Information Minister and government spokesman Michael Makuei told Sudans Post on the eve of independence celebration.
“However, citizens are free to celebrate in their respective states and residences,” he added.
In a pre-recorded statement, South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang acknowledged the lack of official festivities but assured citizens of security during personal celebrations.
“As we prepare to mark the 13th anniversary of our independence, the SSPD leadership salutes all fallen heroes and heroines of the War of Liberation,” Koang said.
“We understand there won’t be a state function, but we want to assure you of 100% security as you celebrate in your own ways and places. We will ensure a free environment, free of harassment, intimidation, and insecurity,” he added.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in July 2011 after a long and bloody civil war.
This year marks a decade without official celebrations, with the last state-organized event occurring in 2014.
A deadly civil war erupted in Juba shortly, thereafter, severely impacting the country’s economy and inability to organize expensive functions such as this event.
