Veterans of South Sudan’s liberation struggle are calling on the government to improve the welfare of soldiers, emphasizing that proper support honors the sacrifices made for the nation’s independence.
The Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), founded on May 16, 1983, was the armed wing of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement that fought for decades against marginalization, ultimately paving the way for South Sudan’s independence in 2011.
Today, SPLA Day is observed annually on May 16 as a tribute to the heroes who fought for the country’s freedom.
During last Friday’s SPLA Day celebrations, veterans highlighted ongoing challenges within the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, urging government leaders to prioritize soldiers’ welfare.
“If the government wants May 16 to be truly meaningful, they must take care of the soldiers,” said Gen. Bior Garang, a wounded veteran. “Their uniforms represent South Sudan, when they look bad, the country looks bad; when they look good, the country looks good.”
Garang called for timely salary payments, proper uniforms, and adequate food supplies, warning that economic hardships had forced some soldiers to abandon their barracks to seek alternative sources of income.
“Many soldiers have turned to charcoal production to survive. This must stop, the government needs to ensure they are paid well and supported properly,” he added.
Beyond military welfare, Garang also urged authorities to take care of the widows and orphans left behind by fallen fighters.
“Thousands of soldiers died for this land, leaving behind families. Their children and widows need support. When they are cared for, May 16 holds real meaning,” he emphasized.
Sergeant Juan Apara echoed these sentiments, urging South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) leadership to ensure soldiers receive their salaries on time.
“We appreciate our fighters. They sacrificed their lives so that today’s SSPDF and the people of South Sudan can benefit from the country’s resources,” she said.
Apara praised the resilience of the national army, noting that despite hardships, many soldiers continue to fulfill their duties without access to necessities.
“Our soldiers are suffering, but they remain committed. Let’s support them whenever we can,” she urged.
She also appealed to business owners to assist, recognizing that many soldiers struggle with low wages and rising market prices.
“If a soldier comes to your shop and needs food for their family, consider helping them—their salaries are not enough,” she said, emphasizing that improving military welfare is a vital way to honor the legacy of SPLA and ensure that the sacrifices of past fighters are not forgotten.
In his last week’s address, marking the 42nd SPLA Day anniversary, President Salva Kiir called for national unity and peacebuilding, noting the suffering the fighters go through.
“The struggle that began in 1955 and continued in 1983 was for freedom, but also for unity, peace, and prosperity,” Kiir said. “Today, we must protect that legacy by working together to maintain peace, heal divisions, and advance development.”
The anniversary always invokes the struggles of the three top heroes, Dr. John Garang de Mabior, Commander Kerubino Kuanyin Bol, and William Nyuon Bany, culminating to the African youngest nation’s independence.
