Kiir urges citizens to maintain peace in May 16 Day message

JUBA — South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Friday called on the citizens to maintain peace in the world’s youngest nation during the commemoration of the 42nd SPLA Day.

SPLA Day is celebrated annually on May 16 to commemorate the formation of the then rebel group in 1983.

On 16 May 1983, a group of mutineers from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) opened fire in a barracks near Bor and would form the core of the SPLA.

Colonel John Garang de Mabior was sent to quell the rebellion but instead became its leader.

In his key message on the occasion to mark SPLA Day, Kiir honored the sacrifices of fallen heroes as he called for national unity and continued peacebuilding in the young nation.

“As we celebrate the 42nd anniversary, I call upon all citizens, young and old, men and women, to uphold the values of the SPLM-SPLA and to dedicate themselves to building a peaceful, stable, and united South Sudan,” Kiir said.

Kiir called upon citizens to protect that legacy of fallen heroes by working together to maintain peace, heal divisions, and advance development.

“The struggle that began in 1955 and then resumed in 1983 was for freedom, but also for unity, peace, and prosperity. Today we are called upon to protect that legacy by working together to maintain peace, heal divisions, and advance development,” Kiir said.

He acknowledged ongoing challenges facing the country, reassuring them of his government’s commitment to addressing them.

“Our young nation has faced many challenges, but we have also made significant progress. Through the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement, we are restoring hope and laying the foundation for a better future.”

“Let this anniversary be a moment of national renewal. Let it remind us that despite our differences, we are bound together by shared history and a common destiny,” he said.

sudanspost.com