Kiir canceled official independence celebration, postponed lawmaker’s swearing-in indefinitely, to deploy security forces on Independence Day

The council of ministers has resolved that there will be no official celebrations for the country’s 10th independence anniversary on Friday. In a similar development, the army spokesperson has announced the deployment of joint security forces within Juba and the surrounding area ahead of the 10-years anniversary of independence on Friday.

In an interview with the Juba-based Media house, Maj Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said the joint security forces will be deployed within Juba and its environs.

Gen. Lul stated that members of the public are requested to cooperate with Joint Security Forces throughout the Public Holidays period. He urged the rest of the security forces that won’t be on duty to remain on maximum alert in areas of their responsibilities.

Also, in an extraordinary sitting chaired by President Salva Kiir in Juba today, the cabinet advised the public to celebrate from their homes as part of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  

The council also postponed the swearing-in of the new legislature from Friday to a date yet to be announced. Addressing journalists after the meeting in Juba, the Deputy Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Baba Medan said President Salva Kiir will address the nation in a televised address in commemoration of the day.  

The cabinet also passed the 2021-2022 draft budget, totalling more than 600 bln pounds.

Deputy information minister Baba Medan explains the breakdown.