By Yiep Joseph
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has called on the public, including soldiers and civil servants, to take part in the upcoming 16 May celebrations despite ongoing salary delays and economic hardship.
May 16 is a public holiday marking the foundation of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in 1983, widely known as SPLA Day, and this year’s event will mark the 43rd commemoration of the liberation movement.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, Bol Makueng Yol, SPLM spokesperson of the high-level committee for the 16 May celebrations, urged citizens to remain resilient and turn up in large numbers for the national event.
He said the day is meant to honour the sacrifices of those who fought for the country’s liberation, stressing that economic challenges should not overshadow national remembrance.
“The message is not only going to soldiers, but even civil servants did not get their salaries, and it is the same message that we cannot surrender to the suffering and the chaotic economic situation in this country,” Bol said.
He added that hardship would not last forever, calling for patience and unity.
“We know that nothing is permanent. Anything bad will always come to an end; even something good will also come to an end,” he said.
Bol encouraged citizens to attend the celebrations in large numbers, saying the event remains important for national identity and pride.
“So we are saying to everybody, let us tighten our belts and celebrate this. It is not always that this country is poor; one day we will even give food to other countries,” he said.
He further urged the public to prepare for the celebration, describing it as a significant national moment tied to the country’s history and survival.
“All of you, regardless of the conditions we are in, let us all celebrate that day because that day is our life,” he added.
Bol also reaffirmed the SPLM’s commitment to service delivery and expressed optimism that the government is working to address the current economic challenges affecting salaries and public services.