South Sudan’s Minister of Culture, Museums, and National Heritage, Sarah Nyanath Elijah, has called on all South Sudanese to celebrate the country’s Independence Day in every state and administrative area, emphasizing that the occasion should be observed as a truly national event.
Speaking during a press conference at the ministry’s headquarters in Juba, she said 9 July, Independence Day, belongs to every South Sudanese and should be marked by communities across the country, rather than being confined to the capital.
“Our announcement as a ministry is that it is okay for every level of our government to celebrate,” she stated. “Our Independence Day belongs to every South Sudanese. If it belongs to all of us, then it is the responsibility of all of us to celebrate it. My ministry will not be able to budget for all these other levels. The only thing we can do, which is our responsibility and mandate, is to announce that 9 July is going to be celebrated.”
“It should be celebrated at all levels of government, in all communities, by every citizen,” she added.
Nyanath stressed that allocating the ministry’s limited budget solely to celebrations in Juba would undermine the national character of Independence Day.
She noted that given the country’s current financial situation and preparations for upcoming elections, funding celebrations only in the capital would not reflect the spirit of a nationwide event.
“If we put together a budget, it may only focus on a celebration at the Juba level, which is the capital. That does not mean celebrating here in Juba makes it a national celebration,” she said.
The minister, however, confirmed that the national government will organize the main Independence Day event in Juba, where President Salva Kiir Mayardit is expected to deliver his annual Independence Day address to the nation.
South Sudan will commemorate its Independence Day on 9 July, marking another anniversary since gaining independence in 2011. The government is encouraging citizens across the country to organize and participate in celebrations that reflect national unity and patriotism.
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