Lakes Governor Assures Of Security During Referendum

10 November 2010 – (Rumbek) – The governor of Lakes state has assured Church leaders gathered in Rumbek of security during the forthcoming self-determination referendum for southern Sudan.

Addressing the congregation on Sunday during the launch of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Plenary, Engineer Chol Tong Mayay said security will be beefed up in the region ahead of the referendum.

[Chol Tong Mayay]: “I assure you your lordships all fellow Christians and citizens of this state that the referendum will be conducted in Lakes state in a free and fair atmosphere and now I am sure the people of Lakes state know what they will vote for as our late leader said that we have brought peace to you in a silver plate, but now its up to you the people of southern Sudan to decide whether you want to be second class citizens or a first class citizens. This is our role and I think the citizens of this state are very aware about where they are going to vote for. We are going to make security to be perfect and we will allow everybody to campaign for either options secession or unity. It is the choice of the people, it is the will of the people and it should not be dictated by anyone and this is the choice of the people.”

Mayay acknowledged the role played by the Catholic Church in southern Sudan especially in Lakes state during the 21 year-old conflict to date.