Kiir urges unity as South Sudan marks martyr’s day

JUBA — South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Friday urged the country’s citizens to come together in peace and unity to flourish the future of the coming generation as the world’s youngest country marks martyrs’ day.

“We all need to focus on achieving total peace in our country and once again, I am calling upon you the people to support us in promoting peaceful coexistence within our communities,” Kiir said in his statement to mark martyrs day on Friday.

Kiir said having total peace in the country can pave the ways for services delivery and long-term development.

“Our efforts and investment in inclusive peace is the surest way to the provision of services to our people and to the long-term development in the country,” he stated.

The head of state urged his people to observed martyrs day in social and peaceful harmony.

“I wish you a happy martyr’s day and urge you to give this day the respect it deserves by observing social harmony in your interactions,” he said.

He praised the millions who fought for liberation from Sudan.

“I would also like to honor the families of our martyrs, their parents, spouses, children, and their siblings who continue to live with the void left by their loved ones who fell in the course of liberating our country,” the father of the nation said.

“Today, I call upon our citizens to salute our martyrs who bore the brunt of hardship that come with our liberation struggle but never faltered. To these men and women, the quest for our freedom came above all else,” added.

He disclosed that his government will continue to focus on moving the country forward amide challenges of post-conflict.

“It is, therefore, incumbent upon us the living, especially our men and women in uniform to be guided by selfless actions and sacrifices our martyrs as we focus on moving our country forward despite challenges of our post-conflict status,” he stated.

“The selfless action of these men and women who did not live to see the birth of our republic hold important clues  for us on how we should overcome our present day challenges,” he added.