Gov’t Calls on South Sudanese to Observe Martyrs’ Day with Patriotism

By Kidega Livingstone

The Government, through the Ministry of Culture, Museums and National Heritage, has called on all South Sudanese to commemorate Martyrs’ Day with dignity, respect and patriotism in honour of those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom and independence.

Speaking during a press conference in Juba ahead of the national commemoration, the Minister of Culture, Museums and National Heritage, Sarah Nyanath Elija, urged citizens across the country’s ten states and three administrative areas to participate in the observance through prayers, moments of silence and candle-lighting ceremonies.

She said the nationwide activities are intended to pay tribute to the country’s fallen heroes while promoting peace, reconciliation and national unity.

“Prayers and moments of silence should be encouraged in all public places, churches, institutions and families. May the lighting of candles become a vision of hope for peace, reconciliation and national unity,” Nyanath said.

The minister emphasized that the remembrance should inspire South Sudanese to uphold the values for which the country’s martyrs fought, including freedom, justice, unity and peaceful coexistence.

Meanwhile, the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Culture, Museums and National Heritage, Dr. Julia Amon Wantok, said the official observance serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by thousands of South Sudanese during the long liberation struggle.

She noted that Martyrs’ Day is not only a day of mourning but also an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s history and honour families who lost loved ones during the conflict.

“The observance reminds every South Sudanese of the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives for the nation and recognizes the families who continue to bear the pain of losing their loved ones,” Dr. Wantok said.

Martyrs’ Day is commemorated annually in South Sudan on 30 July in remembrance of the late Dr. John Garang de Mabior, the founder of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A), who died in a helicopter crash in 2005, as well as thousands of other men and women who lost their lives during the country’s decades-long struggle for self-determination.

The day is marked by national prayers, wreath-laying ceremonies, candle-lighting vigils and public reflections on the sacrifices that led to South Sudan’s independence on 9 July 2011. Government officials have called on citizens to use the occasion to strengthen national unity, promote reconciliation and renew their commitment to lasting peace and development.