A coalition of twenty women groups from Western Bahr el Ghazal State has called on the national and state governments to build a museum or schools in honor of Anyaya One and SPLA female veteran Ager Gum across the country.
The call was made on Friday in Wau during a ceremony to belatedly commemorate the 20th anniversary of South Sudan’s Martyrs’ Day at the SSPDF’s 5th Infantry Division Headquarters in Girinti. The day is celebrated on 30 July.
The occasion brought together state government officials led by Deputy Governor Zachariah Joseph Garang, the SSPDF 5th Infantry Division commander, who was the host, directors from the state government, and members of the organized armed forces, among others.
Speaking at the event, Anne Nyang Dhieu, the chairperson of the organizing committee, who is also the leader of the state women’s association, called on the national and state governments to give special recognition and honor to female veteran Ager Gum.
“We need to thank all our heroes who lost their lives for this nation during the 21-year war, and among them, we had some females. Women contributed to achieving our independence, and that is why we say that Mama Ager Gum is among the women who led as a woman martyr,” she said. “I passed through Rumbek and found a school named after Ager Gum, and there is also a residential area called Ager Gum. We are asking that Ager Gum be recognized across the country because she represented the women of South Sudan during the Anyaya 1 and SPLA struggles.”
“Our message to our President Salva Kiir, as women of Greater Bahr el Ghazal, is that there should be a special consideration for Ager Gum that will represent the women of South Sudan,” Nyang added.
She pointed out that women in Wau still live in fear of soldiers following the past conflicts in the state, but that with the commemoration of Martyrs’ Day in the SSPDF headquarters, people regained confidence in the army.
Meanwhile, 5th Infantry Division Commander Major General Jiel Mangok Yel said anyone can safely visit the military base without restriction or intimidation.
“I thank the women groups that thought and organized this function inside our Girinti Base to celebrate martyrs’ day and our heroes led by late Dr. John Garang, Ager Gum, and others who lost their lives,” he said. “What you did today is part of building relationships between the people and the army in Wau Town. I thank you for this occasion because it is the first time for some people to see Girinti.”
For his part, Deputy Governor Zachariah Joseph Garang lauded the organizing committee and said the event will be celebrated in the state every year.
“We want to tell Dr. Ann and all the groups that we in the government will continue to support you every year to organize the event,” he said.