By Barchoch Tut Jing
VICTORIA, Australia, 20 May 2010, (Gurtong) - Although many commemorate the precious souls lost during the course of the struggle as a result of rebellion on May 16th, 1983, most streamed there to hear what the Government of Southern Sudan representative to Australia Mr Mariano Deng Ngor had to tell them regarding the forthcoming referendum.
Everyone who spoke talked about self-determination for South Sudan which demonstrated beyond doubt that southerners believe the referendum is their golden chance through which they hope to determine their fate.
“We remember our fallen heroes because this day signifies our brothers did not die in vain. This year is unique because it could be the last celebration when the country is still one”, said Nyebil Amuom.
“We volunteer to show people direction and lead them to the destination and at this end point, it is the referendum. We all fought and struggled in one way or another and not only those who took up arms”, said Barnaba Bol who identified himself as Southern Sudanese community chair-person in Melbourne, Australia.
Bol also said that South Sudan has always been in his soul.
The SPLM Youth League leader in Victoria, Australia Nyuol Madut Bol blamed the rebellion of May 16th 1983 on successive regimes in Khartoum and said that under the wise and charismatic leadership of the late Dr John Garang the SPLM/A fought for the liberation of Sudan to ensure equality, justice, and freedom for all marginalised Sudanese.
The Sudanese community chairperson Nyadang Deiwal reminded her people with words to reinforce unity of purpose, saying that “we are all one because we share the same interest”.
“We are very happy today but more joy will soon follow when we shall determine our fate through an internationally supervised upcoming referendum”, she said.
But veteran James Mangar who spoke on behalf of the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Army said: “All of us are pleased although it was SPLA who did the hardest part of the work”.
He said that SPLA fought and withstood the strains of the battle-field for the rights of marginalised Sudanese, adding that the fallen heroes perished to ensure democracy and to terminate marginalisation in the Sudan.
Mr Mangar advised his fellow South Sudan countrymen to vote wisely but also told them the “SPLA is determined to protect the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in order to make sure you vote in a safe environment.”
The widespread support for secession among southerners prompted a call for unity for marginalised Sudanese from Nuba Mountains representative, Mohammad Maghadam.
“I salute the late DR John Garang who was the architect of New Sudan”, he said.
He also called upon Sudanese to unite in the name of SPLA.
“If there was no SPLA we could not have come to Australia in these numbers”, said Maghadam.
“You are going to be asked whether you will vote for independence or confirm Sudan’s unity in a referendum. If you want to vote to be second class citizens, the choice is yours. People always ask whether unity or separation is better. We are in a democratic society, decide what is right for you”, said Mariano Deng Ngor who leads the GOSS Mission to Australia.
Another concern for most southerners was the requirement of 60 percent turnout for the referendum to be passed.
Ngor advised Sudanese that whoever registers to vote in the referendum must vote, adding that failure to vote will endanger the referendum outcome.
“When you are free you perform something your ancestors have not done before”, he emphasised.
Several speakers acknowledged the job well done by the Sudanese women during the liberation struggle.
“Our women worked tirelessly to nurture the young ones and we should thank them for that”, said Ngor.
“Women did everything including giving birth to men who fought in the war. Women fought along side men in this war. Were it not for women we could have not reached this far”, said Elizabeth Nyamach who spoke on behalf of Sudanese women.
However, despite the tune and desire for quick divorce between South Sudan and the rest of the country the head of GOSS mission in Australia cautioned Southerners saying Sudanese shall always remain the same people.
The occasion was graced by various South Sudanese cultural groups who performed a variety of dances.