We must not forget that we have been born of the blood and sacrifice of our founding members like the Dr. John Garang,” President Salva Kiir said while addressing the mammoth crowd in Juba City.

Salva Kiir

The president said those who doubted the survival of South Sudan after its separation from the Khartoum have been proved wrong by the resilience and solidarity of the South Sudanese.

He listed the passing of at least 19 legislations such as the Education Act, The Agriculture Act and the Media bills which he said have also been passed by the parliament awaiting his amendment as key achievements in the democratization process.

The completion of Juba-Nimule road, the establishment of the National Electoral Commission and the National Constitutional Review Commission are key other achievements in the Second Year of Independence.

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Kiir also announced that the oil refinery in Bentiu would be opened in August this year. “We have also increased our non-oil revenue from 7 million to 100 million South Sudanese pounds (SSP) which is an increase of more than 800%,” he said.

He promised to increase the salaries of teachers, soldiers and continue to empower youth and women as well as creating jobs for the youth through encouraging infrastructure development and private sector promotion.

On corruption, the president said: “Corruption will not be tolerated. Any body found guilty will be taken to the court of law. The time for impunity is no more. No one is above the law,” he said.

“I am also troubled by the increasing crime rate in our cities. Much as we may blame external factors for the increased crime, the police should have done better. Some of them are very indiscipline. This is a very serious crime, lets come back to our senses,” the Kiir said.

The president also said his government is committed to the Cooperation Agreement with Sudan. According to Kiir, the Abyei people of deserve a final resolution.

He condemned the acts of David Yau Yau in Pibor, Jonglei State but also warned the national army officials accused of committing abuses that they will not go scout-free.

At least four foreign heads of state including Presidents Museveni of Uganda, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Ian Khama of Botswana, Hassan Mohamud of Somalia and the former South African president Thabo Mbeki and several foreign dignitaries attended the occasion marked yet again with pomp, glamour and enthusiasm.