A choir performs the proposed South Sudan national anthem to the SSLA [©goss-online.org]
By Gurtong team
JUBA, 11th May, 2011 [Gurtong] – The technical committee working on the symbols of authority for the new to-be Republic of South Sudan, have submitted proposals of the national anthem, coat of arms, flag, name of currency to the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly for deliberation and final approval.
H.E. Michael Makuei Lueth, the technical committee chairman and also the minister for Parliamentary Affairs submitted the proposals to the SSLA yesterday.
Makuei said that the proposed name of the new country is “South Sudan” while its currency will be called the “South Sudan Pound.”
The committee adopted the flag currently being used by GOSS in totality, which originally belonged to the SPLM/A.
Symbolism of the flag colours
He said that black stands for the identity of South Sudanese; white for peace; red for the bloodshed for liberation; green for the land of South Sudan which is rich in natural resources; blue triangle for the water and development while the star symbolizes the vision for the development of the new country.
H.E. Makuei also explained that the coat of arms consists of fishing eagle standing against a shield and spears. He said that the eagle signifies strength, resilience and vision; attributes that the new country desires. The shield and spears, on the hand, represents protection.
Brigadier Malaak Ayuen of the SPLA presented the national anthem which was performed live by the armed forces band and a choir.
The anthem is a general prayer for blessings and protection of the new country. It is also an expression of gratitude for the rich natural resources the country is endowed with as well as a challenge to the patriotic citizens to develop and tend it.
The technical committee urged the Legislative Assembly to pass the proposed symbols of authority in time to smoothen the transition. The committee also emphasized that the symbols must be in place before the declaration of statehood in July.
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