Mr. Manasseh Lomole Waya, the CES deputy Governor delivering his speech during the rally [©Gurtong/ Juma Stephen]
By Juma John Stephen
JUBA, 23rd April 2012 [Gurtong]
Hundreds of South Sudanese gathered in Dr. John Garang Mausoleum singing songs in praise of the army while waving the national flag. They convened to be updated on the current situation at the northern border region particularly the SPLA withdrawal from Heglig.
The acting Governor of Central Equatoria State, Manasseh Lomole Waya said the state condemns in the strongest possible terms those who are beating the drams of war in Khartoum that they are doing it for their own doom and peril.
“We applaud the bravery, confidence of our gallant forces the SPLA. They have proved to the whole world that they are capable of defending our nation at all costs,” Lomole said.
“We want to pledge contributions in terms of human resources, material and financial resources to support the SPLA in any way possible. In Central Equatoria State, we have urgently allocated 200,000 Sudan Sudanese Pounds to support our wounded heroes,” he continued
According to Lomole the withdrawal from Panthou (Heglig) is seen as a sign of strength and visionary leadership provided by the President in pursue of peace.
The Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny who was the chief guest said the SPLA had showed their military experience after repulsing over 25, 000 attackers from Panthou on the 10th of April 2012.
“We are calling on all the South Sudanese that if you have cassava or any food item, send it to the front line. When they receive such assistance, the solders will know that the people of CES are in support of their initiatives. Western Equatoria State has already sent their assistance,” Machar said.
The vice president called on the South Sudanese youths to be vigilant and to support the national army where possible.