Observations from the Field: “The Best Place I’ve Ever Bentiu, Unity State, South Sudan” - May 29, 2011
It’s hard to imagine this expression today in the aftermath of violence following South Sudan’s independence. It wasn’t always like this. The referendum for independence and actual independence bookended a brief period in peoples’ lives when they looked toward universal hopes and dreams.
Referendum
South Sudanese mobilize in mass to express their desire for freedom and autonomy from Sudan – Torit, South Sudan
Umbrella
A woman celebrates South Sudan’s independence along the only paved road in Unity State – Bentiu, South Sudan
Face Lift
The newly renamed “Independence Stadium” in the capital of Unity State, Bentiu, South Sudan. July 9, 2011.
24 Bentiu Peace Tree Ceremony
A young man observes former Unity State governor, Taban Deng, prepare a “peace tree” planting in Bentiu, South Sudan. 2011.
Swords to Plowshares
Spent artillery shells from decades of war used to make bracelets – Bentiu, South Sudan
Bentiu Boys
These boys enjoying a strange visitor and making a buck – Bentiu, South Sudan. 2011.
T-72 on Parade
One of a handful of tanks in all of Unity State at the time. A virtually useless piece of fighting equipment due to the swampy conditions, yet highly prized. 2011.
Exit Stamp
Finally, South Sudan can use an official exit stamp rather than rely on quasi-legal “permits” that many foreigners used to enter the country – Juba, South Sudan
Celebratory gunfire spontaneously breaks out in the middle of Independence Day celebrations. Governor Taban Deng unimpressed by the clear breakdown in discipline of his SPLA soldiers, a foreboding sign of things to come in Unity State.