Martyrs’ Day Celebrants Say Fallen Comrades’ Sacrifices Fueled The Liberation Struggle

Every 30th of July, South Sudanese remember the tragic death of the country's founding father and historic leader of the SPLM/A, Dr. John Garang de Mabior, who died in a Ugandan presidential helicopter crash in 2005 alongside his colleagues who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and sovereignty of the nation. Today, liberation veterans, including Senior Presidential Adviser Kuol Manyang Juuk and Daniel Awet Akot, have renewed their call for national unity as the country prepares for the December 2026 elections. Seeing their fellow soldiers killed before their eyes is what Martyrs’ Day celebrants say strengthened their resolve to fight the northern forces and liberate South Sudan.