File: Dr. John Garang Mausoleum, Juba.

The government of Wau celebrates the Country’s sixth Independence anniversary today despite its cancelation at the national level.

This year for the second time, South Sudan has not been officially commemorate the Independence Day.

Last year, fighting between government forces and forces loyal to Dr. Riek Machar happened within the days of the 5^th independence anniversary.

Since last year, South Sudan continued to experience economic and security hardship as a result of violence and the declined value of the South Sudanese Pounds against the dollar.

In 2015, organizing the 4^th independence anniversary cost the government an estimated 130 million South Sudanese Pounds.

So this year, the Council of Ministers resolved to postpone any public function to celebrate the day.

The Minister of Information, Michael Makuei said if the ministry of finance avails any money, it will be used to transport IDPs stranded at Juba International Airport back to their states.

South Sudan gained independence from the Sudan on 9^th July, 2011 after a referendum.

The Ministry of Labor has declared Monday 10^th July, 2017 as a public holiday. Work resumes on Tuesday 11^th July, 2017.