South Sudan youth urged to shun destructive politics

JUBA – The undersecretary for veteran affairs at the Ministry of Defense, Lt. Gen. Paul Nang Majok, on Saturday called on South Sudanese youth to reject destructive politics and instead embrace peace, unity, and nation-building.

Speaking during the commemoration of Martyrs’ Day at the Veterans House in New Site, Juba, Gen. Majok, the ministry’s undersecretary, urged young people not to allow themselves to be manipulated into violence or political divisions that could undermine the country’s stability.

“Also, allow me to take this opportunity to encourage you, the youth, to pursue education and skills, participate in constructive nation-building, and reject extremism and destructive politics,” Gen. Majok said.

Gen. Majok emphasized that lasting peace and stability require the active participation of young people, encouraging them to resolve differences through dialogue instead of violence.

“The martyrs’ struggle created the possibility of education, progress, and hope for you. We, therefore, urge you to protect the future by embracing discipline and learning to become productive citizens,” he said.

He also paid tribute to the country’s fallen heroes and wounded veterans, saying their sacrifices during the liberation struggle should inspire the younger generation to safeguard the peace they fought to achieve.

“Choose a pathway that creates jobs and stability. The nation that neglects its youth abandons the promise for which the martyrs fought and died.”

Gen. Majok warned the country’s security organs against taking any actions that could undermine peace or dishonor the sacrifices of martyrs.

“For our security forces and uniform personnel, let us remember that professionalism is also patriotism and is also discipline; lawful conduct and respect for civilians are the foundation of legitimacy. Any action that undermines peace dishonors the struggle of those who are remembered today,” he said.

He urged politicians and community leaders to embrace reconciliation, transparency, and accountability, saying a stable nation is built on unity rather than division.

“To all citizens, I encourage you to choose peace and dialogue and resolve differences peacefully and don’t allow anyone to use your anger for harmful acts,” he said.

Lt. Gen. Chol Thon Balok, Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, paid tribute to the country’s martyrs, praising their sacrifices in the struggle for South Sudan’s independence.

“I urge all of us to continue honoring our martyrs for their selfless sacrifices, and I am grateful to our beloved president, Salva Kiir Mayardit, for supporting this occasion,” said Chol.

Martyrs’ Day is observed every year on 30 July to honor the men and women who lost their lives during the country’s long struggle for self-determination and independence.

The day commemorates the death of Dr. John Garang de Mabior, who died in a helicopter crash on 30 July 2005, just three weeks after being sworn in as the first vice president of Sudan following the signing of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).

Dr. Garang led the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) throughout much of the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005), a conflict that claimed an estimated two million lives and displaced millions more.