By. MAJOK L. MAGOT
Secretary General, SPLM/A – IO (Reformists) Youth League.
Pennb2@gmail.com
Every year, on May 16th, the people of South Sudan come together to commemorate SPLA Day, a solemn occasion that honors the sacrifices made by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) during the long and brutal struggle for independence. As we gather to remember the heroes who fought for our freedom, it is essential to reflect on the current affairs in South Sudan and acknowledge the ways in which we have regrettably failed to live up to the ideals for which they fought.
A Human Tapestry of Courage and Sacrifice:
The story of the SPLA is one woven with the threads of human courage, sacrifice, and determination. During the protracted civil war that ravaged South Sudan, the SPLA became the beacon of hope for a population yearning for freedom from oppression. Men and women from all walks of life joined the ranks of the SPLA, forging a united front against a common enemy – The Khartoum regime. They endured unimaginable hardships, braving the scorching sun, treacherous terrain, betrayals, and constant threat of violence.
The Forgotten Promise:
The independence of South Sudan in 2011 was a momentous occasion, marking the culmination of the SPLA’s struggle. However, the promise of a new dawn for the nation soon gave way to internal conflicts and power struggles among political leaders due to a failed leadership. This bitter reality has tarnished the memory of our fallen heroes, for they fought not for the division, dirty politics, corruption, tribalism, and chaos we face today, but for a united and prosperous South Sudan.
The Struggles of a Young Nation:
Since independence, South Sudan has been plagued by political instability, economic challenges, and ongoing armed conflicts. Corruption has taken root, diverting much-needed resources away from the development of basic infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the overall well-being of the population. The hopes and dreams that once ignited our hearts have been overshadowed by the realities of poverty, displacement, and a sense of betrayal.
Honoring Our Heroes Through Actions:
SPLA Day serves as a stark reminder that we must rise against the current predicament and strive to honor the sacrifices made by our heroes. It is not enough to pay lip service to their memory; we must translate our gratitude into concrete actions that uplift the lives of our people. This entails fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and good governance, where public officials are held to the highest standards and corruption is vigorously rooted out.
Rebuilding a Nation’s Legacy:
Rebuilding a nation requires unity and a collective effort. It demands that we set aside our differences and work towards common goals, prioritizing the needs of the people above personal ambitions. Investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture will provide the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous South Sudan, where the legacy of the SPLA can be truly honored.
Fellow countrymen and women, As we commemorate SPLA Day, let us rekindle the spirit of our fallen heroes and recommit ourselves to their vision of a united and thriving South Sudan. We must acknowledge the ways in which we have fallen short, root out the enemies of the people, and work towards a brighter future, where the sacrifices made by the SPLA are not in vain. It is through collective action, sustained determination, and genuine compassion that we can rectify the past and forge a new path for our nation, ensuring that the dreams and aspirations of those who fought for our freedom become a reality.
