41st Anniversary of May 16th: Tribute to our martyrs and wounded heroes for our liberation struggle

By Deng Madut Akech Akoon, Juba, South Sudan

Thursday, 16 May 2024 (PW) — On this 41st Anniversary of May 16th, we pay tribute to our martyrs, wounded heroes, financial contributors, villagers, leaders, and parents who sacrificed immensely for our liberation struggle. We honor our leader, Kuanyin Bol, who fired the first shot and was injured, alongside the late Maker Jol Deng, who lost his life in Bor town. We remember the late Dr. John Garang de Mabior, the unwavering leader of the SPLM/A, who relentlessly fought for the freedom of South Sudan.

From 1955, Joseph Lagu and other leaders united against our enemies. The late William Deng Nhial played a pivotal role in our self-determination struggle. He paved the way for Dr. John Garang to continue the fight. Col. Emmanuel Abur Nhial refused to join the tyrannical Sudanese government, foreseeing the Addis Ababa Agreement’s failure. We give them unlimited credit for their commitment to our freedom, safety, and stability.

We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, including CDR Majok Mach Aloung in Kapoeta, Deng Dau on the Juba-Yei road, and countless others. A true South Sudanese would honor them by sustaining peace among our tribes. Our enemies used bombs, chemicals, and weapons to kill our people and destroy our land, making it impossible to grow food. Forgiveness is difficult, considering the immense suffering inflicted by Arab and militia groups in Bhar El Ghazal and other regions.

Dr. Garang’s greatest legacy should guide our national unity as we build our nation. His political contributions put South Sudan on the world map, and we will forever remember his sacrifices with his fellow comrades. The involvement of external actors in Dr. Garang’s death, if true, would mirror the Congolese situation in 1961, where foreign governments played a role. Just as Patrice Lumumba’s family learned the truth, the cause of Dr. Garang’s plane crash will also be revealed.

Let us speak the language of peace to unite our sixty-four tribes, allowing South Sudanese people to reside anywhere and bury our differences. Let us build stadiums, name them after our late leaders, and establish parks, roads, rivers, hospitals, schools, hotels, restaurants, and soccer teams in their honor. It’s time to sing our noble war song and shout the names of our martyrs who sacrificed their self-interest for our sake.

I show full respect for our brave men and women who fought with their lives in the war. Your sacrifices gave us a place to call home, a testament to your bravery. I declare my loyalty to our nation and its leaders, whose names are forever remembered in South Sudan. Let us embrace peace and work towards unity to enjoy fruitful independence every year. Forgiveness and reconciliation are crucial.

Today, we have been given an eternal light; let us not head towards destruction. Let us build a nation that belongs to all of us. Pay tribute to our martyrs, wounded heroes, financial supporters, villagers, leaders, and parents who contributed to our liberation. Let’s respect each other and work together to change lives in South Sudan, discouraging division and moving forward in peace.

Our fallen heroes, wounded, and disabled soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, which some wanted to destroy. Let’s recall Tiger, Jamus, and Tumsah’s reliance on this land. Congratulations to Katiba Banat, Koryom, Muor Muor, Zazal, and the unit I missed. Our martyrs didn’t die in vain; they fought for our freedom and a place to call home. We celebrate 105 and 104 Battalions as we remember their contributions to our success on 16 May.

Final tribute to our fallen leaders in Gogrial, including Pilot CDR Caesar Madut Ring, CDR Lino Longar Lueth, CDR Anyar Mayol, Ayak Achuil Ngong, and Ayom Reech Mawien; the last two were killed by Marahileen. The South Sudan government must prioritize stability, forgiveness, reconciliation, transparency, accountability, and good governance from the central government to the state level. A permanent constitution would enable citizens to elect their state governors and representatives in the national government. We will not be loyal to corrupt leaders, whether in the national government or at the state level.

To achieve lasting peace in South Sudan, we must implement the Nairobi peace agreement. Paul Malong Awen Anei, a courageous Commander during our struggle, deserves forgiveness and a warm welcome home. A leader who prioritizes his people will return and shape their lives, fostering permanent peace in our country.

The author, Deng Madut Akech Akoon, is a concerned South Sudanese blogger: https://dengmadutakech.blogspot.com/2024/05/may-16-tribute.html

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PaanLuel Wël

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PaanLuel Wël is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a news website that covers news, opinions, analysis, history, culture and literature of South Sudan and the world. Founded in July 2011 by PaanLuel Wël to create a platform for free expression and constructive dialogue, the website features articles from various contributors, including columnists, commentators, poets, authors, activists and academics. PaanLuel Wël believes that media can play a vital role in informing, educating and empowering the people to participate in nation-building and social transformation. He also believes that media can foster a culture of dialogue, tolerance and diversity among different communities and groups, and hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.

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