By William Madouk
President Salva Kiir Mayardit commended the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) for their unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and standing as the bulwark of the nation’s sovereignty.
Kiir expressed the sentiment in his statement issued during the 41st anniversary of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA Day), also dubbed ‘‘16 Mayo’’ (May 16), which was marked on Thursday.
“Today, on the historic occasion of SPLA Day, we come together to honor and remember the significant role the Sudan People’s Liberation Army played in the journey toward our nation’s independence,” said Kiir.
The head of state noted that the unwavering courage and commitment of the SPLA liberators paved the way for freedom as they stood tall in the face of adversity and made the ultimate sacrifice.
“On this day, we salute the soldiers of the SPLA for their extraordinary valor and resilience,” he added.
The president said the nation is forever grateful for liberators service and sacrifice, adding that “their dedication to the cause of freedom has left an indelible mark on the history of our nation.”
“We also extend our deepest gratitude to the people of South Sudan for their unwavering support and solidarity during the liberation struggle,” he noted.
He emphasized that civilians’ resilience, strength, and commitment to the path of freedom were influential in the journey toward the country’s independence.
“As we commemorate SPLA Day, let us remember and honor all those who fought and sacrificed their lives for our nation’s freedom,” Kiir stressed.
Meanwhile, President Kiir called on South Sudanese to uphold the values of unity, peace, and progress, which they stood together bravely for, to build a prosperous and peaceful future for all.
On the same note, the governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Tong Akeen Ngor, heaped praise on the gallant forces and civilians for spearheading the revolution that brought about independence.
“Hence, May 16 reminds us of the day when our people became more united against all forms of marginalization enforced on the southerners by the regime in Sudan,” Akeen stated.
Mr. Akeen appealed to the people of Aweil to celebrate peacefully and encourage residents to embrace a spirit of peace, unity, and harmony in the state and beyond.
SPLA Day is a public holiday in South Sudan, celebrated annually on May 16th. It commemorates the formation of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) on May 16, 1983.
The formation of the SPLA started during the second civil war in Sudan, which continued for 21 years and led to the killing of more than two million people.
In the course of it, millions were displaced, but it led to the independence of the world’s youngest nation as part of a peace agreement signed in 2005.
On May 16, 1983, a group of soldiers from the Sudanese army’s 105 garrisons in the Bor area mutinied.
The mutiny was followed by 104 garrisons in Ayod, Akobo, and Pochalla. The defection of southerners in the Sudanese army affected the 1972 Addis Ababa peace agreement, which was abrogated by former Sudanese president Jaafar Nimeiri.