30/07/2026
OFFICIAL MARTYRS' DAY PRESS STATEMENT,
In Honour of Dr. John Garang de Mabior and All the Fallen Heroes and Heroines of South Sudan
30 July 2026,
Fellow citizens of the Republic of South Sudan,
Today, we gather as one nation in solemn remembrance to commemorate Martyrs' Day, a day of profound national significance dedicated to the memory of the brave men and women whose unwavering courage, selfless sacrifice, and steadfast commitment secured the freedom and sovereignty of our beloved Republic.
On this historic day, we pay our highest tribute to the founding leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A), Dr. John Garang de Mabior, who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash on 30 July 2005 while returning from Kampala, Uganda, to New Site, South Sudan. His passing marked one of the most sorrowful chapters in our nation's history, yet his vision, principles, and legacy continue to guide our journey as an independent people.
Dr. John Garang believed in a future founded upon justice, equality, dignity, unity, and opportunity. He inspired millions to believe that through sacrifice, resilience, and determination, a better tomorrow could be achieved. His dream extended beyond the liberation struggle; it was a dream of a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation where every citizen could live with hope and dignity.
Today, we also honour every martyr whose life was laid down in defence of our people's aspirations. Their courage cannot be measured, their sacrifice cannot be repaid, and their memory shall forever remain engraved in the conscience of our nation. They are the architects of our freedom, and the guardians of our history.
As we reflect upon their extraordinary legacy, let this day remind us that nation-building is a responsibility shared by every South Sudanese. The future of our Republic depends not only on our remembrance of those who came before us, but on our willingness to uphold peace, strengthen national unity, embrace reconciliation, reject violence, and work together for the common good.
To our young people, you are the custodians of the future envisioned by our founding heroes. Honour their sacrifice through education, integrity, innovation, hard work, patriotism, and respect for one another. Let your generation become the builders of the peaceful and prosperous South Sudan for which so many gave everything.
To our elders, veterans, public servants, religious leaders, women, and communities across the nation, your continued wisdom, resilience, and commitment remain essential in preserving the unity and stability of our country. Together, we must rise above division and reaffirm that our diversity is a source of strength rather than conflict.
On this sacred occasion, let us renew our collective pledge to uphold the values for which our martyrs sacrificed their lives: justice, equality, accountability, unity, compassion, and service to the nation. Let us reject hatred and division, choosing instead the path of dialogue, mutual respect, reconciliation, and lasting peace.
May the memory of Dr. John Garang de Mabior and all our fallen heroes continue to inspire every South Sudanese to place the interests of the nation above personal ambition and to work tirelessly towards a future where every child can dream without fear and every citizen can contribute to the progress of our beloved Republic.
May Almighty God bless the souls of our departed heroes and heroines with eternal peace.
May Almighty God bless the Republic of South Sudan.
May peace, unity, justice, and prosperity prevail throughout our nation.
Happy Martyrs' Day to all the people of South Sudan.
Issued by:
Aye Malek Hoc Press Media
"Truth, Integrity, and the Voice of the People."
