09/07/2025
South Sudan Marks 14 Years of Independence: A Time to Reflect, Unite, and Rebuild:
By: Augustin Riak
On July 9, 2025, South Sudan proudly celebrates the 14th anniversary of its independence. This significant national milestone not only marks the day in 2011 when the people of South Sudan achieved their long-sought aspiration for self-determination, sovereignty, and national identity but also serves as a testament to our resilience and unity. This historic day is a time of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to the values and responsibilities that come with freedom. Independence was not granted freely; it was won through years of struggle, immense sacrifice, and the unwavering hope of a people determined to shape their destiny. As we observe this anniversary, we are reminded not only of the joy that came with independence but also of the work that remains. We pay tribute to the fallen heroes and heroines who made significant contributions to our nation's independence, and we recommit to ensuring lasting peace, unity, and prosperity throughout the country.
In reflecting on this journey, the words of the late Nelson Mandela remain deeply relevant: "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." This statement challenges us to go beyond mere celebration and to examine how generations of South Sudanese have had to actively express their freedom by pursuing justice, promoting respect, and upholding dignity. However, as conflict and division continue to grip our nation, Mandela's words take on a renewed urgency. True independence cannot thrive when fear dominates communities, when leaders silence voices, or when violence extinguishes hope. These conditions reflect not freedom, but its absence. If we are to fulfill the true promise of July 9, we must confront these realities with honesty and resolve. The current crisis calls each of us, especially the younger generation, to step forward with courage and purpose. South Sudanese youth must rise as peacemakers, bridge-builders, and champions of justice in every corner of the nation. They must reject hatred and division, and instead embrace the power of education, dialogue, and service to foster unity and understanding. The responsibility to shape a better future does not belong solely to past generations; it rests now in the hands of young people who believe in the possibility of a united, peaceful South Sudan.
Equally profound is the African proverb that states: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." As a young nation still facing internal challenges, this wisdom reminds us that collective action, national unity, and inclusive dialogue are essential for long-term development. Only through working together across ethnic, political, and generational divides can South Sudan fulfill the promise of its independence. This year's celebration is more than a remembrance of the past; it is a call to action. As citizens, leaders, and members of communities, each of us must reaffirm our shared responsibility to build a peaceful and inclusive society. Choosing peace over conflict, dialogue over division, and development over destruction will define the course of our future.
As we raise our flag on this 14th Independence Day, we celebrate not just the birth of a nation but the continued resilience of its people, both at home and abroad. Let this day inspire every South Sudanese to remain hopeful, stand united, and contribute to the rebuilding of a stronger, more just, and forward-looking nation, wherever they may be. Happy 14th Independence Anniversary. Thank you for your part in this journey. May our flag forever symbolize hope, resilience, and unity.
