Sudanese pray for peaceful vote

• January 9 referendum to decide whether the south will secede from Africa’s biggest nation

Hundreds of South Sudan nationals converged in Nairobi to pray for their country ahead of the referendum on January 9.

They appealed to Kenyans and other people of goodwill to help them make the milestone peaceful and fruitful.

In an exciting service punctuated with traditional songs and patriotic speeches at the All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, speakers expressed confidence in the success of the referendum, saying they will not allow the country to relapse into war.

South Sudan, which emerged from a protracted civil war with the North, is holding a historic referendum to decide whether it should remain part of the Sudan or break away to become Africa’s newest nation.

Speakers said the country was ready for independence.

“All systems are in place and it is all systems go for the referendum and it is time to pray,” said Mr Majok Guadong, the country’s ambassador to Kenya.

He added: “This is a special year for us and we are holding the service here because this is our second home.

“I wish to congratulate the people and leaders of Sudan for keeping peace for the past five years,” he added.

The vote is part of the 2005 Naivasha Agreement between the Khartoum regime and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M).

A simultaneous referendum will be held in Abyei on whether to become part of Southern Sudan.

Mr Guadong stated that the people of Sudan will show that they are dedicated to peace.

Mr John Jock, an MP, described the referendum as the ‘last journey’ to the promised land.

“This is our momentum year of liberation and as we say no to marginalisation and I am urging our fellow countrymen to vote wisely and peacefully,” he added.

Mr Jock rooted for independence, saying the country was ready for autonomy.

A recent survey in Europe found that most South Sudanese in diaspora support secession.