South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit led the country on Thursday in commemorating Martyrs’ Day, paying tribute to those who died during the country’s liberation struggle and urging citizens to promote peace.
The annual ceremony brought together government officials, members of the security forces, diplomats, veterans and members of the public to honour the country’s fallen heroes, including the late founding leader John Garang de Mabior and others who died in the struggle that culminated in South Sudan’s independence in 2011.
Addressing the nation, Kiir said the liberation struggle had claimed generations of lives and called on South Sudanese to remember both soldiers and civilians who perished during decades of conflict.
“The history of our struggle covers generations. As a result, we lost generations during the struggle,” Kiir said.
“Today, we remember our late leader, Dr. John Garang de Mabior, alongside all the brave SPLA officers and soldiers who did not live to see the birth of our country. We also honour the millions of civilians who lost their lives and property during the war.”
Kiir said the commemoration was a reminder of the collective sacrifices made during the country’s struggle for self-determination and urged citizens to continue working towards peace.
The ceremony included a minute of silence in memory of those who died during the liberation war.
Martyrs’ Day is observed annually on July 30 to commemorate Garang, who died in a helicopter crash in 2005, and South Sudanese who lost their lives during decades of conflict with Sudan. The day is marked by official ceremonies and public events across the country to honour their sacrifices and reaffirm commitments to unity and nation-building.
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