By Jako David Waluluka.

After their success in the just concluded referendum that will most likely see them secede from the north, Southern Sudanese will have to grapple with the issue of whether or not to retain the name ‘Government of Southern Sudan’ (GOSS) or have another name altogether.

And since they have been at war with ‘Northern Sudan’ for a long time, I don’t think they would like their country to have any association with the word ‘Sudan.’

What I would wish to see is for them naming the newest independent country in Africa ‘Garang Republic’ after the fallen SPLA leader who led the war and later ‘midwifed’ the peace the south is enjoying with the north.

It is well fitting for Garang to be honoured by having the new country named after him. Garang always symbolised the hopes and dreams that the southerners held – dreams that were eventually realised – and I believe he deserves it.