South Sudan has cancelled events marking its sixth independence anniversary on July , citing an ongoing civil war.It is the second consecutive year that the government in Juba is holding back on marking its attainment of independence from the rest of Sudan on July 9 2011, becoming the world’s newest country.
Speaking over the weekend, government spokesman, Michael Makuei said the situation in the country does not require celebration.
“This is a time when there are people in need of the funds to be deployed in celebrating” Makuei added.
South Sudan descended into civil war in December 2013 after an apparent power struggle between current President Salva Kiir and his then deputy Riek Machar.
Despite peace deal brokered by the regional Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) which briefly saw the installation of a power-sharing government, the conflict continues to rage in the oil-rich nation which recently emerged from famine.
Tens of thousands have been killed and over two million more displaced since the war began.
Source: Journal Ducameroun
