Date: January 18th 2011
Message from the GoSS, USA
Re: Southern Sudan Referendum Polling Results, USA
Dear Sudanese and Friends of Sudan,
We, the Government of Southern Sudan Mission to the United States and United Nations, would like to express our appreciation to the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) for their support in conducting a successful, free, fair, transparent and credible South Sudan Referendum in accordance with the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement. In addition, we extend our gratitude to the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, the Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau, the United Nations Integrated Referendum and Electoral Division (UNIRED), and the International Organization of Migration (IOM) for fulfilling their obligations accordingly.
The Southern Sudan Referendum could mark the beginning of a new era in Africa. The people of Southern Sudan have waited patiently and tirelessly through difficult circumstances for this promised opportunity to determine the future of the region – whether to become a separate country or remain united with the North.
On January 9, 2011, the first day of the Referendum Southern Sudanese lined up at polling centers across Sudan and in host countries to cast their historic ballots. Over the following seven days, millions of Southern Sudanese turned out to vote. Voters travelled long distances and in some cases through floods and heavy snowfalls. They endured standing in long lines for hours despite very hot weather or freezing temperatures. Southern Sudanese came in buses, vans, cars and by bicycle and on foot. In the United States, the high emotions of both sorrow and joy brought many of us to tears as we observed the polling process. What an incredible moment for the people of Southern Sudan to collectively decide their destiny.
We sincerely regret that Abyei was not able to participate in its own referendum on January 9th as provided by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. We stand in solidarity with the people of Abyei and pledge to work tirelessly to uphold their rights. We look forward to the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement including Popular Consultation in South Kordofan and the Blue Nile State. In addition, we pray for peace throughout all Sudan, especially in Darfur.
As we prepare to celebrate the results of the Southern Sudan Referendum, we urge the people of Southern Sudan to maintain peace and unity. We have suffered and sacrificed so much to reach this historic occasion. Let us respect one another and recognize that we all have contributed in different ways to the implementation of the CPA, especially when we chose to and continue to choose to live our daily lives in peace with one another. As people from different ethnicity/ tribes and regions within Southern Sudan, let us hold hands as a symbol of strength as we tackle the next challenges that await our emerging country.
If the result of the Referendum is separation, Southern Sudan will be a new country blessed with vast resources, tremendous opportunities and exciting challenges. We now appeal to the Diaspora to return home and assist with development of the country. The skills and experiences you have cultivated outside of Southern Sudan are needed desperately to help build the capacity of those at home; to jumpstart the economy through private investment; and to provide crucial services such as healthcare, education, clean water and sanitation. We all know the satisfaction of living in a home we have built for ourselves, so let us experience the tremendous joy of coming together and building our own country!
In the United States, we are pleased to announce the results of the Referendum for each of the eight (8) polling centers: The cumulative for all eight centers is 98.9 % for Secession and 0.8% for Unity. There are seven (7) invalid and about twenty-nine (29) spoiled ballots, which is a strong indication that the Southern Sudan Referendum civil awareness was delivered appropriately. In addition, the turn out of the nearly 9000 registrants is 96.7% and only 286 did not get a chance to cast their votes. Please note that the Southern Sudanese Community lost three registered potential voters after the exhibition, objection and appeals period. The remaining 283 did not get a chance to make it to their respective registration centers due to various reasons, such as family emergencies, illness, work, misplacing a registration card and extra.
We sincerely thank the people of Southern Sudan for honoring our ancestors’ legacy by participating in the Referendum. Future generations will remember the sacrifices you made to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for Southern Sudan. We look forward to working with you in the weeks and months ahead. We are here to serve, so please do not hesitate to contact us by calling (202) 393-7940 or emailing aaoswaha@gossmission.org / oswaha@gmail.com. To learn more about Southern Sudan, please visit www.goss.org. Happy 2011 and many days to come!
Best regards,
Agnes Oswaha
Cultural, Community and Consular Affairs Officer, GOSS Mission-USA and UN
1233 20th Street, N.W Suite 602
Washington DC 20036
www.gossmission.org
Nyakan John Gile
Executive Assistant and Office Manager
GOSS Mission to the United States & the United Nations
P: 202.293.7940│f: 202.293.7941 | C: 703.867.0264
e-mail: njgile@gossmission.org
visit us @www.gossmision.org
I bet majority of people who voted for unity are either half Northers or religiously/culturally connected to the North. Of cause very few would still look at the matter from their prospectives. After all, we as people of South Sudan have illustrated to our government that we stand behind them and that we are part of what they do. We have done our part in a glorious victory. Let us hope that peace continues until the country is transformed in July. Neverthekess, I would also like to recognize the hard work of our government on the issue of Abyie just as in the other important matters, and that they'll tirelessly continue to pursue the matter.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless South Sudan
Giir