July 9 th Speech

A Speech Celebrating the Independence of The Republic of South Sudan

Your Excellency Ambassador Majok Guangdong, Honorable Chief Guest for the occasion, Distinguished Guests of the day, Compatriots, Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to congratulate you for your patriotic acts ahead of Independence Day.

9 th July

This day, 9th July of every year, is a day inscribed in the history of the world for South Sudanese people. We achieved freedom on this day; it is a day worth a celebrating and expressing joy. When we celebrate it, waving our colorful National Flag, playing our National Anthem with excitement and distributing sweets, we need to recall our humble past, remembering and paying homage to the founders of our nation.

My dear friends, we are a privileged generation; we are the first class citizens of a new and free South Sudan. It’s a privilege our fallen heroes desired, fought and died for. Today, we have an opportunity to breathe the fresh air and enjoy the fruits of freedom that the Declaration of Independence bestowed upon us all.

If at all we want to know the pain of torture, slavery and marginalization under Arab rule, we must ask our elders who were born before 1956 and the veterans of two Sudanese Civil Wars. It was indeed a jeopardizing venture for the indigenous Sudanese in those days to fight against ruthless aggressors and oppressors – the European Imperialists, followed by the Arab North. We must not allow those hard times and struggles to vanish from our collective memories. Hence it is befitting for us to celebrate such National Festivals and go back down Memory Lane to honor and commemorate the war dead.

Tribute to the Martyrs, Wounded Heroes and African Soldiers

With this freedom, we remember them today, from the Principals of the First Sudanese Civil War (or Anyanya I and II) – Aggrey Jaden, William Deng Nhial, Gordon Muortat Mayen, Samuel Gai Tut, Abbdulah William Chuol Deng, Joseph Lagu – to the Chief Architects of the Second Sudanese Civil War (or Anyanya II and SPLA/M) – Kerubino Kuanyin Bol, William Nyuon Bany, John Kulang, Kuach Kang,

July 9th Independence Speech by D. Makoi Majak

July 9 th Speech

Dr. John Garang de Mabior. Our heartfelt remembrance includes local patriotic leaders who we owe gratitude and respect.

When we consider those Martyrs who sacrificed their precious lives for our freedom, it is imperative that we remember and appreciate the common citizens who paid the ultimate price for our common good. Cattle–keepers, farmers, businessmen, foreign journalists; writers, poets and African soldiers helped our land attain the long prized freedom we now experience.

We have walked a long way down the path to free South Sudan. We fought for our freedom and have proven ourselves worthy of self–rule. We are regarded as brave fighters and the fiercest collective in Africa; we fought Africa’s and the world’s longest civil war.

How proud we were when His Excellency, President Salva Kiir, his Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, by his side, along with international dignitaries, ushered in our new nation. Our beautiful National Flag blew in the wind and our National Anthem was sung in a spirited, vibrant and respectful manner. Juba was transfixed; the wonderment of the day was indescribable! We remain proud of our achievements; the positive aspects of independence continue to fuel the happiness in our beating hearts.

Ongoing Political Struggle in the Country

But are we blind to the black clouds that have surrounded our country? Ladies and gentlemen, it is shocking that as we celebrate our hard–earned freedom today, there are a few ethnic warlords who want to see this nation leveled to its foundation. Have we lost the battle on politicized ethnicity? Have we succeeded in using our freedom in the right fashion and manner? If so, why is there so much destruction of property, killings and attacks on innocent civilians, political violence and unstable political systems? Why must we kill ourselves over different political ideologies? My dear friends, what should concerned students do at this juncture? Should we go home and arrest those politicians? Should we fix the corrupt elements? Or, should we take matters into our hands, waging another war for freedom against the politicians? No, not for a second! Persons of our caliber are

July 9th Independence Speech by D. Makoi Majak

July 9 th Speech

not expected to undertake the aforementioned actions. On a sound note, I urge my fellow students to refrain from and avoid cheap politics at all costs. We will have our time to do the right thing, in the right place.

Education

Let us venture forth, aggressively declaring war against illiteracy. Let us do our duty, preparing ourselves to be well–educated citizens of today and tomorrow. Let us redouble our efforts and use our genius in positive ways, building human capacity that will lead our nation to prosperity.

Ladies and gentlemen, I firmly believe this quote from Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It’s very true! Let us do our duty meticulously; let us study hard to achieve our state’s lofty goals. We must put in mind that today’s societies require youth with lots of energy, knowledge and intelligence. Illiteracy is the number one enemy for a youthful and democratic nation. Conversely, a united and educated population is a formidable combination for a prosperous nation. Our fore fathers and mothers were deprived of this fundamental human right. We must not forget that our country is still striving to overcome and reverse an injury of intellectual poverty.

So let us commit to getting rid of illiteracy and take South Sudan to a bright future!

Wish you all a jubilant day!

Daniel Makoi Majak

July 9th Independence Speech by D. Makoi Majak