By Malith Alier
My visit to one of the most contested cities in the former Sudan and now in modern South Sudan on the 16 May will go down like soothing cooled water a thirsty person drinks in the spring. Bor is a strategic city located on the eastern bank of river Nile and is roughly midway between Juba and Malakal. It is strategic militarily because anyone who controls it has cut of Malakal and other small towns from Juba both by road and river. It is also located on the Sudd swamp which one of the largest in the world. That is why fiercest battles have been fought over it.
The now branded the “SPLA Day” was not celebrated on the very day like in Juba or other cities and towns in the country in the normal way. I was informed that shooting erupted on the early evening going throughout the night and ended just after six o’clock in the morning. The day was also graced with one of early heavy rainfalls that lasted several hours to late morning.
A timed gun shooting used to be the way the day was celebrated right from the first anniversary and through rest of the 21 years of struggle ended in 2005. The order used to be gun shooting at exactly the time the first bullet was released in Bor by 105 under the command of Karbino Bol and colleagues followed by military marches then speeches by officials and later in the day colourful dances performed by various South Sudanese cultural groups.
All the aspects of May 16 celebration remain but gun shoot. It is one aspect that has become out of fashion and for good reasons. Nobody wants to accidentally get hurt in the festivities of the SPLA Day.
Bor is the undisputable birthplace of the SPLA and the struggle for what South Sudanese regarded as their freedom from oppression. So, the citizens of Bor have every cause to celebrate the day in unison with celebrations by fellow South Sudanese in the country. Anything less than that is not from the liberation birthplace and cradle.
The resilience people of Bor display have no march in the entire country. Their adversities are too many however; this has never dampened their spirit to celebrate on national commemoration day like May 16.
The city exchanged hands four times which has left unimaginable destruction of property and livelihoods. Despite this, people are slowly but steadily returning to rebuild this historical town in small steps. The small traders align streets with their wares. The hoteliers and restaurateurs are resuming cuisines. Travellers move in and forth to see for themselves the destruction and how people return to what was once vibrant city. The UN agencies and NGOs are starting operations. Schools and banks are resuming. More importantly, the State government has named and sworn-in State ministers just a week ago. All this will make a great difference for the local people because service delivery will be enhanced.
There is still a long way to go before the city returns to its former self. It is now upon the people to accelerate that. Those who went to various places for refuge should think of returning. Those already there should not think of leaving the city.
The government of the State and the national government have a major role to play to assure the devastated inhabitants to stay. One way of doing that is providing security in the city and the surrounding areas. It has somehow been achieved by the SPLA who liberated Ayod County from the rebels who recently threatened to send expeditions to rescue those in the UNMISS camp in the city. Another way of assuring the people is for the President to visit the city. Since the onslaught of the current rebellion, the only government officials who visited the city are the ministers of information and Communication and Defence and Veterans Affairs, both are from the area.
If the president visits Bor today how would people receive him and what would he likely tell the people there?
Well, he will definitely receive a hero’s welcome and what he would tell them may run something like this,
Dear citizens,
I personally apologised to you because of two things; the destruction and loss of lives caused by Gatdet and white army and the long delay to visit this historical city which is the cradle of South Sudan. I fully take responsibility for these two government failures.
You understand that the white army was defeated on the way to Juba and subsequently the complete liberation of the beloved city of Bor. The city and the surrounds are now under full control of the SPLA and allies. Never again shall it fall to rebels.
Dearest citizens,
I am fully working for peace in Jonglei and South Sudan at large. David Yau Yau’s peace is complete and Riek peace will soon be complete. This is what a responsible government does to the country.
I announce to you that Bor is our first priority in terms of rebuilding. My government therefore, announces SSP 3.5 billion over three years for this purpose. Hospitals and health centres, schools, roads and government institutions shall in short time be rebuilt.
The SPLM government shall do it. We shall rebuild, we shall rebuild, we shall rebuild.
SPLM Oyee!
I think that a visit as this is highly likely going to increase the moral and encourage the likely return of those in Mingkaman in neighbouring Lakes State to Bor. It can further encourage the army to defend the city in case of attacks launched by rebels in future.
A song such as this would also encourage the citizens of Bor to stand firm in the face this calamity. Here is the lyric,
Medina Bor you are our cradle
We will never leave you to thugs and those who kill
Your good name shall never be erased in the psyche of your people
You are a gift to our ancestors
No matter how we are scattered over the world,
We remember your good name, the floods and “thou” (lalop)
Your shady neem and mango trees are there
For generations to come
The scattered cattle long to run
To graze pastures and live ancient camps on high
Your daughters shall return to dance and marry in you
Your sons shall be proud of your greatness among towns
Of the South forever