16/05/2026
𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐈𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐌 𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐆 𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐊𝐈𝐈𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐃𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝟒𝟑𝐑𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟏𝟔 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐂𝐇?
Maj. Gen. William Deng Garang Beny is a respected veteran of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) now SSPDF who fought alongside President Salva Kiir during the liberation struggle.
He is widely recognized for creating the historic slogan “SPLA/M OYEE!”, a powerful chant that boosted the morale of SPLA fighters during the war and later became one of the most enduring symbols of the SPLM movement and South Sudanese politics.
Throughout the liberation struggle, Gen. William Deng Garang stood side by side with President Kiir in several major military campaigns and battles as towns were captured during the war. He served as a distinguished commander within the SPLA High Command and participated in key historical battles, including the pivotal conflict in Rumbek, alongside President Kiir and the late Dr. John Garang de Mabior.
Maj. Gen. William Deng Garang retired from active military service in 2012 together with several senior generals. Since then, he has maintained a quiet and humble life away from the public spotlight.
When President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s daughter was appointed as Presidential Envoy for Special Programs in 2025, one of the liberation heroes she visited was Maj. Gen. William Deng Garang Beny.
Today, during his speech marking the 43rd anniversary of May 16, President Kiir became emotional after seeing Gen. William Deng once again. The moment brought back memories from the liberation struggle, including the difficult war days when they worked side by side, even pushing vehicles through water together during military operations.
The emotional recognition reflected the deep bond and shared sacrifices between the veteran liberation fighters who endured hardship together throughout the struggle.
His recognition by President Salva Kiir Mayardit today served as a reminder of the sacrifices and contributions made by veteran liberation heroes during South Sudan’s long struggle for freedom.