South Sudan celebrating Martyrs’ Day
The celebrations kick off in Juba this afternoon and are expected to go on until dusk when the people will light candles in the memory of the martyrs. President Salva Kiir Mayardit will lead the country in paying tribute to the people who lost their lives fighting for the independence which the country officially won this month.
The late Dr. John Garang de Mabior who is one of the martyrs.
The celebration is a demonstration of the fact that even though the martyrs are dead their memory lingers on in the hearts of all South Sudanese who appreciate the sacrifice they made for their homeland.
“Let’s build the nation as a tribute to the heroes”, President Kiir
JUBA, 30 July 2011 – President Salva Kiir Mayardit has called on all South Sudanese to participate actively in building the Republic of South Sudan as a tribute to the heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle.
President Kiir made this appeal today when he led the nation in celebrating the “Martyrs’ Day” to commemorate the selfless sacrifice of the national heroes and heroines who lost their lives fighting for the independence of the Republic.
“The heroes did not die in vain. Though we cannot reward them materially, building this nation is a befitting tribute to them”, he said adding that South Sudanese can only show that they are proud of their country by developing it.
President Kiir addressing the nation during the Martyrs’ Day celebrations in Juba.
[Photo: Matata Safi]
The President said that building the nation requires sacrifice, hard work, honesty, transparency, accountability and nationalism. He called on the youth to shun tribalism and join hands with all the citizens to build a unified nation. He warned them against violence. “Those calling you to pick up guns and kill your brothers are enemies of peace”, he cautioned. He said that South Sudanese have fought many wars for many years and that it is now time to consolidate peace.
President Kiir also appealed for dialogue in resolving differences. “If there are problems, let us sit down and an answer will be found”, he said. He also appealed for patience among the citizens emphasizing that development takes time to materialize. He explained that the government has only been in office for a few years but has achieved beyond expectation under challenging circumstances.
He also called on the South Sudanese to engage in agriculture and produce food for their families. He said that the new country cannot continue importing food. He also cautioned against the over-reliance on oil resources which, he said, can be depleted.
“From today we are getting into serious business; let us redouble our efforts if we are to be role models. Nothing comes easy; we have to double our efforts”, he said.
Citizens holding candles lit in memory of the martyrs.
[Photo: Matata Safi]
President Kiir also called on the armed forces to remain disciplined and respect human rights. He said the role of the army is to protect the sovereignty of the Republic and its boundaries. He cautioned members of the organized forces against misuse of arms. “The fact that you have a weapon in your hands does not give you the right to harm another human being”, he warned adding that those perpetrating such vices will be dealt with according to the law.
The same message was echoed by other speakers at the celebration who urged the people to put the past victories and pains behind them, unite and work to build the nation. The “Martyrs’ Day” is celebrated on 30th July every year in honour of the fallen heroes and heroines of liberation. It coincides with the day Dr. John Garang de Mabior, the late leader of the SPLM/A, died in a helicopter crash on his way back to South Sudan from a meeting in Uganda in 2005.
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