09/07/2026
HAPPY INDEPENDCENCE DAY
My Dear Fellow South Sudanese,
Today, we proudly celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of South Sudan. It is a day of great national pride, remembrance, and reflection. We honour the countless heroes and heroines whose courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination secured our right to self-determination and gave birth to the world's youngest nation. Their sacrifices were not made for one generation alone, but for every South Sudanese who would one day call this nation home.
As we celebrate this historic milestone, we must also reflect on the responsibility that independence entrusted to us. Independence was never meant to be the end of our journey; it was the beginning of our responsibility to build a nation founded on peace, justice, unity, and shared prosperity. The aspirations that inspired our liberation struggle remain as relevant today as they were fifteen years ago. Our duty now is to ensure that those aspirations become realities for every citizen.
South Sudan was forged by people from different communities who stood together with one purpose. Our diversity of tribes, cultures, languages, and traditions is not a weakness to be exploited but a national treasure to be protected. While we may differ in our opinions and perspectives, we must never allow those differences to divide us or weaken the bonds that unite us as one people. Our common identity as South Sudanese must always rise above every other difference.
History teaches us that nations become strong not merely because of their natural resources or their institutions, but because of the character of their leadership and the unity of their people. As Abraham Lincoln reminded the world, democracy is strongest when government is "of the people, by the people, and for the people." Leadership is therefore not about power over people; it is about service to people. It is about earning the trust of citizens through integrity, accountability, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the common good.
The Federal Democratic Party believes that the future of South Sudan depends on leadership that unites rather than divides, serves rather than rules, and inspires rather than discourages. We believe that every child deserves access to quality education, every family deserves reliable healthcare, every young person deserves meaningful opportunities, every farmer deserves the support to be productive, and every community deserves the infrastructure necessary to thrive. These are not privileges reserved for a few—they are the legitimate aspirations of every South Sudanese citizen.
As our nation prepares for the December 2026 General Elections, I call upon every South Sudanese to uphold peace, patriotism, and mutual respect throughout the democratic process. Let these elections be conducted in a peaceful, transparent, credible, and just manner that reflects the will of the people and strengthens our democracy. Political competition must never become a source of hatred or division, but an opportunity for citizens to shape the future of our beloved nation through peaceful participation.
Today, I also call upon our leaders, regardless of political affiliation, to renew their commitment to the ideals for which so many sacrificed. Let us choose dialogue over confrontation, unity over division, service over self-interest, and nation over tribe. The greatest tribute we can pay to the heroes and heroines of our liberation struggle is not merely to remember them in words, but to build the peaceful, united, and prosperous South Sudan they envisioned.
As Chairman of the Federal Democratic Party, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to serving the people of South Sudan with integrity, accountability, and patriotism. We extend our hand to every citizen who believes in peace, democracy, justice, and national unity. Together, let us build a nation where every child can dream, every family can prosper, and every citizen can live with dignity and hope.
May Almighty God bless the Republic of South Sudan, guide our leaders with wisdom, protect our people, and grant our nation lasting peace, reconciliation, and prosperity.
Happy 15th Independence Day!
People • Freedom • Equality
Gen. Gathoth Gatkuoth Hothnyang
Chairman, Federal Democratic Party (FDP)
