By Juach Deng Juach
(Juba, South Sudan.)
Nelson, Mandela, (1965) in his famous collection of articles and speeches, edited by Keith; titled “No Easy Walk to Freedom”. He wrote; there is no easy walk to freedom anywhere; many of us will have to pass through the valley of death, again and again; before we reach the mountain tops of our desires. Dangers and difficulties have not deterred us in the past; they will not frighten us now. But we must be prepared for them like men who mean business and does not waste energy in vain talk and idle action (p.31).
Comparable to African National Congress (ANC) against apartheid in South Africa, Sudanese Peoples Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) led a long march to freedom. This noble achievement; as we all know; was never easy. It is not easy now but we are determined like people who mean business to close this dark chapter in our history comes the long awaited referendum vote early next year. The movement (SPLM/A), the brave populace of South Sudan and the marginalised areas were not deterred by dangers and difficulties in the past; they are not deterred now and will not be deterred in future.
That is why our brave men and women sacrificed their lives I would like to specifically dedicate this piece of article to captain, Mijak Meyan Kuol who was born in Abyei and laid down his life in Kapoeta (1995). Mijak departed with other prominent figures such as; CDR Anyaar Apiu, Captain Luol and many more. All this was in the name of our freedom in the marginalised areas all over Sudan, particularly in South Sudan and “Abyei” area. A Referendum outcome reflecting our wish will be the best honour for our fallen heroes and heroines.
There is no way back. President Salva Kiir assured masses during his inaugural speech in 2005 when he said “SPLM is a vehicle without a reverse gear, there is no going back, the only way-is.... forward. He was right then; he’s today and will be tomorrow. Struggle continues. Long live SPLM/A. SPLA OYEE!!