The government of Jonglei State announced on SPLA Day yesterday the postponement of the celebration, purportedly because of lack of funds to carry out the event.

Bor, the state capital, was where the first shots were fired in the Second Sudanese civil war, when the late John Garang launched a mutiny on 16 May 1983.

Traditionally, SPLA soldiers celebrate the occasion by firing their guns into the air. But this year the Jonglei government directed SPLA not to shoot in the air because of insecurity and the possibility of causing panic among the public in Bor.

The army failed to respect the order, according to a state minister, saying this resulted in two injuries.

Jody Jonglei Boyoris, the state minster of information, told Radio Tamazuj the celebration was postponed until next Wednesday due to a delay of budget allocated for the celebration, which was still in Juba.

He said heavy morning rains also would have prevented the celebration from taking place.

Also the minister confirmed that some soldiers violated the order not to engage in celebratory shooting. “Yes, there was gun shooting last night in Jonglei State by individual SPLA soldiers due to happiness and this resulted in two people having injuries and they are now in Bor Hospital.”

For his part, Mayor Nhial Majak condemned the random shooting carried out by individuals within the SPLA on Thursday night, describing it as an irresponsible act.

"I am now moving across the town to Bor hospital to see how many people were injured because I heard yesterday one person was injured and someone shot a cow, but I am yet to confirm," Nhial said.

The mayor added also there was no difference whether celebrating on 16 May or later, and urged the people to wait until next Wednesday. 

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