The Government of South Sudan has called on citizens across the country and in the diaspora to lead grassroots celebrations marking the nation’s 15th Independence Anniversary, saying this year’s commemoration should be driven by communities rather than centered in the capital.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of National culture, Museums and National Heritage, Sarah Nyanath Elijah Yong, during a press briefing in Juba, where she officially unveiled this year’s Independence Day theme: “One Nation, One Flag, One Anthem, One Future.”
The ministry said the celebrations on 9 July 2026 will adopt a decentralized approach, encouraging state governments, county administrations, traditional authorities, schools, religious institutions, civil society organizations, youth and women’s groups, businesses and local communities to organize peaceful and inclusive activities in their respective areas.
Speaking during the briefing, Nyanath described the 15th anniversary as a historic milestone that offers South Sudanese an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey since independence while honoring those who sacrificed their lives during the liberation struggle.
“Independence was not won for one city or one institution. It belongs to every state, every county, every payam, every boma, every village and every citizen of the Republic of South Sudan,” she said.
She said the government wants this year’s celebrations to reach every corner of the country, arguing that the success of the anniversary should not be measured by the size of ceremonies held in Juba but by the level of participation among ordinary citizens nationwide.
The minister urged governors, chief administrators, county commissioners, traditional chiefs and religious leaders to mobilize their communities to commemorate the anniversary through activities that promote peace, unity and patriotism.
As part of the preparations, the Ministry of Culture also launched a nationwide National Flag and National Anthem Campaign, calling on households, schools, businesses, government institutions and public places to raise the national flag and sing the national anthem on Independence Day as symbols of national pride and unity.
Nyanath encouraged parents, teachers and community leaders to use the anniversary as an opportunity to educate younger generations about the country’s struggle for independence, noting that many children born in 2011 have little or no memory of the events that led to the birth of the world’s youngest nation.
“This anniversary is an opportunity to pass our history, values and identity to the next generation so they understand the sacrifices that made our independence possible,” she said.
The minister also announced that the government has designated 2026 as the National Heritage Commemoration Year, during which several national events will be observed, including SPLA Day, Independence Day, Martyrs’ Day and the National Cultural Festival.
She said the initiative aims to celebrate South Sudan’s cultural diversity while strengthening national identity and preserving the country’s historical heritage for future generations.
Responding to questions about the absence of a large government-funded celebration in Juba, Nyanath said the decision to prioritize community-led events was intended to ensure broader participation across the country rather than concentrating resources in one location.
She said every South Sudanese should have an opportunity to commemorate the anniversary regardless of where they live, describing the grassroots approach as a way of making Independence Day more inclusive and meaningful.
The minister concluded by calling on citizens to celebrate peacefully, display the national flag with pride, sing the national anthem and honour the country’s martyrs and liberation heroes whose sacrifices secured South Sudan’s independence on 9 July 2011.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan following an overwhelming vote in the 2011 self-determination referendum, becoming the world’s newest nation after decades of civil war.
As the country marks 15 years of statehood, the government says this year’s anniversary should serve as a moment to renew national unity, strengthen patriotism and inspire hope for a more peaceful and prosperous future.
