Martyrs’ Day in South Sudan 2023: Every year on July 30, South Sudan observes Martyrs’ Day. This day commemorates the passing of Sudanese politician and revolutionary leader John Garang de Mabior. He commanded the Sudan People’s Liberation Army throughout the Second Sudanese Civil War.
Following the signing of a peace accord, he served as First Vice President of Sudan for just three weeks before his death in a helicopter accident on July 30, 2005. In South Sudan, the date of his demise became known as Martyr’s Day.
MARTYRS’ DAY IN SOUTH SUDAN: ITS HISTORY
Martyrs’ Day began six years ago, a year after the death of Dr. John Garang in a helicopter accident. John Garang de Mabior was a Sudanese politician and revolutionary leader who was born in June 1945. During the Second Sudanese Civil War, he led the Sudan People’s Liberation Army from 1983 to 2005. Following a peace agreement, he served as First Vice President of Sudan for three weeks until his death in a helicopter accident on July 30, 2005.
A member of the Dinka ethnic group, he is also considered the founding father of the world’s newest nation and a symbol of national unity in modern-day South Sudan. He was born into a poor household in Wangulei village, Twic East County, in the upper Nile region of Sudan. When he became an orphan at age 10, a relative covered his school expenses. He attended institutions in both Wau and Rumbek.
Because he was so young when he joined the first Sudanese civil conflict in 1962, the leaders encouraged him and other young boys of his age to pursue an education. Due to the ongoing conflict, Garang was forced to conclude his secondary education in Tanzania. In 1969, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Grinnell College in Iowa, United States, after receiving a scholarship.
Saturday, an accident involving Garang occurred near Uganda’s border with Sudan. He was attempting to return to his stronghold in southern Sudan after meeting with Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni. The government of Uganda’s helicopter reportedly crashed due to a dearth of fuel during bad weather. All of the passengers on board were reportedly slain. The death of Garang, who led the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement for 22 years, is also rumoured to expose severe internal “schisms” within the organisation.
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5 FACTS ABOUT THE CULTURE OF SOUTH SUDAN
- The diverse indigenous communities of South Sudan produce a variety of handicrafts, including basketry, net weaving, pottery, smelting, metalworking, and ivory.
- Numerous ritual ceremonies are accompanied by chanting and the playing of musical instruments, making music an integral part of the cultural traditions of South Sudan’s indigenous groups.
- In Juba, there is the Nyakuron Cultural Centre, which accommodates numerous cultural and social events, as well as the tomb of rebel leader John Garang.
- Wrestling is the most traditional sport in South Sudan.
- The most prevalent form of mass communication is radio.
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WHY MARTYRS’ DAY IS IMPORTANT IN SOUTH SUDAN
After a 21-year civil conflict, he was instrumental in forming a new government of national unity and reducing tensions between north and south Sudan.
This day celebrates the traditions and culture of South Sudan. People congregate to sing, dance, and share their traditions throughout the day.
In addition, the event is conducted annually to commemorate the two million lives lost during the lengthy civil war in Sudan. This conflict preceded South Sudan’s independence.
