By Staff
Since South Sudan gained independence in 2011, the nation has felt a profound sense of gratitude and pride for those who dedicated their lives to fighting and defeating the Arab forces from North Sudan, safeguarding South Sudanese lives and sovereignty. However, despite the great wave of patriotism that swept the country when soldiers captured towns from the North, serious concerns have emerged regarding the welfare of the nation’s veterans.
Recent conflicts have seen soldiers from the White Army and Mathiang Anyoor reunite with loved ones after returning from the frontlines. Even those opposed to the ongoing wars have expressed relief at the safe defense of their country from northern aggressors. Yet, beneath this relief lies a growing shame within the South Sudanese populace: the neglect of the very veterans and freedom fighters who secured the nation’s independence. Many war veterans, who once stood at the forefront of South Sudan’s struggle, now face severe hardships. A significant number are becoming homeless and are unable to afford necessary medical treatment, often needing to seek care abroad. The situation is exacerbated by the government’s decision to lay off many veterans immediately after independence, placing them on “reverse lists” without salaries, despite the fact that many of these veterans have large families to support. The number of homeless veterans continues to rise, underscoring the urgent need for government intervention and public awareness.The ongoing deaths of war veterans due to neglect and lack of resources serve as a stark reminder of the broken promises made to those who fought for the nation’s freedom
Veteran deaths highlight neglect by South Sudanese leadership
The recent deaths of two prominent veterans, including the late freedom fighter Kon Anok, have underscored the deep neglect faced by those who fought for South Sudan’s independence. Anok dedicated his entire life to liberating the people of South Sudan. During the Brighter Star campaign of 1997, a battalion named in his honor by the late Dr. John Garang de Mabior played a crucial role in capturing major towns such as Yei, Rumbek,  Tonj ,Yirol, and Tali—a significant victory for the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A). However, following independence from Sudan, Anok and his comrades have been largely ignored by the leadership, including President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who was once their fellow fighter. The neglect of these veterans, who were instrumental in the liberation struggle, has led to a growing number of deaths among those who fought for the country’s freedom. Many of these soldiers, now sidelined and forgotten, have been left without support or recognition. The emergence of the National Congress Party, with its roots in Islamic fundamentalism, has further exacerbated the plight of veterans, leading to internal conflicts and the marginalization of those who were once heroes of the independence movement.The situation is made worse by President Kiir’s abandonment of his long-time comrades. Figures such as Gen. Deng Garang, who left  Malakal to join the bush war alongside Kiir, and the late Gen. Amb. Bior Ajang Duot, who served as military intelligence officer who report to him have been disowned by the president kiir, late Kon Anok and  late Bior Ajang Duot, along with many others, were placed on controversial “reverse lists,” which effectively cut them off from financial support until their deaths. This growing neglect and the deaths of such key figures from the liberation struggle serve as a stark reminder of the unfulfilled promises and the betrayal of those who fought to secure South Sudan’s independence. The ongoing deaths of war veterans due to neglect and lack of resources serve as a stark reminder of the broken promises made to those who fought for the nation’s freedom. The death of two veterans that Late freedom fighter Kon Anok who has dedicated his entire life to liberate people South Sudan, I remember Late Dr John De Mabior named a battalion Brighter Star campaign Kon Anok which was involved 1997 operations that capture major towns of Yei, Rumbek, Yirol , Tali that a great victory from SPLM/A , but when country gain independence from the Sudan than their colleague who is sitting President Kiir Mayardit has turn his blind eyes on them that has led to their deaths in huge number of comrades who fought the success of the liberation struggle without intruders from North Sudan who are now becoming the part and parcels of our independence South Sudan. The emerging of National Congress party is the root cause of all conflicts and neglects of our war veterans in the country because the former the Islamic fundamentalists like Tut Kew , Dhieu Mathok, Elia Lomor plus other SPLM/A watermelon where not happy with the same unity of people of South Sudan during liberation struggle from Sudan . When President Kiir sidelines c his term friends who spend days and years without food or clothing even taking tea without Sugar together but President has forgotten them they life Gen Deng Garang who left Malakal with him to the bush they life late Gen Amb Bior Ajang Duot who served as military intelligent with him in the bush but President kiir disowned him by put him in the controversial reverse list until died . Veteran deaths highlight neglect by South Sudanese leadership The recent deaths of two prominent veterans, including the late freedom fighter Kon Anok, have underscored the deep neglect faced by those who fought for South Sudan’s independence. Anok dedicated his entire life to liberating the people of South Sudan. During the Brighter Star campaign of 1997, a battalion named in his honor by the late Dr. John Garang de Mabior played a crucial role in capturing major towns such as Yei, Rumbek, Yirol, and Tali—a significant victory for the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A). However, following independence from Sudan, Anok and his comrades have been largely ignored by the leadership, including President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who was once their fellow fighter. The neglect of these veterans, who were instrumental in the liberation struggle, has led to a growing number of deaths among those who fought for the country’s freedom. Many of these soldiers, now sidelined and forgotten, have been left without support or recognition. The emergence of the National Congress Party, with its roots in Islamic fundamentalism, has further exacerbated the plight of veterans, leading to internal conflicts and the marginalization of those who were once heroes of the independence movement. The situation is made worse by President Kiir’s abandonment of his long-time comrades. Figures such as Gen. Deng Garang, who left Malakal to join the bush war alongside Kiir, and the late Gen. Amb. Bior Ajang Duot, who served as military intelligence, have been disowned by the president. Garang and Duot, along with many others, were placed on controversial “reverse lists,” which effectively cut them off from financial support until their deaths. This growing neglect and the deaths of such key figures from the liberation struggle serve as a stark reminder of the unfulfilled promises and the betrayal of those who fought to secure South Sudan’s independence. The government of South Sudan should come up with measures that will help military veterans who are battling with issues of illness and depressions as some of them end up being homeless on the streets of juba and beyond, Im shocked and disbelieved when listeing to some eulogies from leaders during late Amb Bior Ajang Duot death such eulogies messages of condolences where not the best them saving him when still alive . despite it becoming political platfom from political divided in the country but both oppositions and government should come together to save the remaining Shell 1 of the SPLM/A who are the source of the history of liberation shell 1 were 164 officers now they have just 78 members after many of them died throught negelent Call for government action to support South Sudanese military veterans The government of South Sudan must implement measures to support military veterans who are battling illness and depression, with many ending up homeless on the streets of Juba and beyond. It is shocking and disheartening to hear eulogies from leaders during the funeral of the late Amb. Bior Ajang Duot, knowing that such messages of condolence do little to help those veterans while they are still alive. Despite the political divisions in the country, both the opposition and the government must come together to save the remaining members of Shell 1 of the SPLM/A—the group of 164 officers who played a pivotal role in the liberation struggle. Today, only 78 members remain, with many having died due to neglect. These veterans are a living testament to the history of South Sudan’s independence, and it is imperative that their sacrifices are honored with tangible support, not just words.
