In a statement marking South Sudan’s Martyrs’ Day, Cirillo paid tribute to those who lost their lives during decades of armed struggle and political resistance, describing them as men and women who fought for a nation founded on freedom, justice, equality and human dignity.
“On this important day in our country, I salute and pay tribute to all martyrs of our nation who sacrificed their lives so that the people of South Sudan can live in a country where freedom, equality, justice, rights and dignity reign,” Cirillo said.
He said the country’s liberation struggle claimed the lives of countless South Sudanese from all walks of life, including freedom fighters, political leaders, prisoners of war, student activists and civilians who supported the liberation movement.
Cirillo also honoured “the farmers and herders, killed for supporting freedom fighters; the women, men and children who perished under enemy bombs, bullets and deliberate starvation,” saying the nation owes both known and unknown martyrs “profound respect, gratitude and honour.”
However, the opposition leader argued that the aspirations for which those martyrs died have not been realised under the current government.
“The sacrifices of the martyrs of South Sudan have, however, been betrayed by Salva Kiir and the SPLM regime,” the statement said.
“The noble aspirations for which our martyrs paid the ultimate price have been abandoned. Instead of delivering freedom, justice, and prosperity, the regime has presided over years of misrule, corruption, oppression and state-sponsored violence. Today, South Sudan is on the verge of collapse and disintegration.”
The government has repeatedly rejected accusations by opposition groups that it has failed to uphold the ideals of the liberation struggle, insisting it remains committed to implementing the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, strengthening state institutions and steering the country toward peaceful democratic elections.
Cirillo said the most meaningful way to honour those who died for South Sudan’s freedom is to continue pursuing the values they fought for.
“The greatest honour we can bestow on our martyrs is to achieve the ideals for which they offered their lives,” he said.
He added that NAS would continue what it described as the struggle for a “second liberation” to restore the country’s founding aspirations.
“NAS, together with the people of South Sudan, will continue the struggle to honour their sacrifice by achieving the second liberation of our country, through which our people will reclaim their lost aspirations,” the statement said.
The opposition movement also renewed its call for broad-based political dialogue, arguing that a new national process is needed to resolve the country’s prolonged political crisis.
“The National Salvation Front (NAS) calls for a Comprehensive, Inclusive, and Genuine Political Process to rescue the country from collapse and disintegration and chart a new path towards a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous South Sudan that truly honours the sacrifices of our martyrs,” Cirillo said.
South Sudan observes Martyrs’ Day every July 30 to honour those who died during the country’s long struggle for self-determination and subsequent conflicts. The annual commemoration is marked by tributes from the government, political parties and opposition groups, many of which use the occasion to reflect on the country’s progress and future direction.
