By Manas James Okony
The son of liberator late Dr. John Garang Mabior has call on South Sudanese to embrace unity in honor of the martyrs.
Mabior made the remark as the country commemorates Martyrs Day.
July 30 marks the 20th anniversary of the passing of Commander Dr. John Garang de Mabior, one of the founding fathers of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M).
Martyrs Day in South Sudan is observed on July 30. It is a public holiday and a Remembrance Day that commemorates the death anniversary of John Garang de Mabior, who is widely considered the most influential person in the history of South Sudan.
His son, Mabior Garang, issued a heartfelt statement on Facebook reflecting on the profound impact of his father’s leadership and vision for a united Sudan, as the nation pays tribute to its heroes, particularly on Martyrs Day.
Dr. John Garang, who tragically died in a helicopter crash in 2005, left behind a legacy that still resonates deeply with many South Sudanese.
“Every year since the tragic helicopter crash that took his life, our people have lit candles to honor his memory,” Mabior wrote.
He recalls the shock and grief that engulfed the nation upon learning of Dr. Garang’s death, a moment that marked a pivotal moment in South Sudan’s history.
In his statement, Mabior noted that Dr. Garang is one of the most quoted yet least understood figures in South Sudan’s history, caught in a web of political manipulation and ongoing struggles over his legacy. “His name has been used by those who claim to love him for political expediency,” he lamented, urging the country to focus on unity rather than division.
Mabior emphasized that it is time for South Sudanese people, regardless of their political affiliations, to assume responsibility for their future.
“The grudges held by his detractors will not fix our country,” he stated, insisting that the best way to honor Dr. Garang is to understand and pursue the vision he advocated for—the vision of the New Sudan, rooted in unity and inclusion.
The New Sudan vision, according to Mabior, is still relevant today and essential for addressing contemporary challenges in the country.
He asserted that the SPLA/SPLM’s struggle was always for a united, democratic Sudan rather than mere separation. The notion of secession, he argued, should never be seen as a separatist ideology but rather as a process that has a meaningful context with respect to unity.
Mabior warned against the dangers of sectarian politics, which he believes have eroded national unity and threaten to further fracture society.
“If we remain on this divisive trajectory, we will continue breaking apart,” he cautioned.
In concluding his reflection, Mabior urged for honest national dialogue concerning the true meaning of the New Sudan vision. He called for an end to the political rivalry that diminishes the legacy of their liberation struggle, instead advocating for a collective move towards unity and cooperation among the South Sudanese.
As candles flicker in memory of Dr. Garang and countless other martyrs, Mabior Garang’s message is clear: “We must be united!” It is a call for a renewed commitment to the ideals of unity and peace that his father championed throughout his life—an imperative for the welfare and prosperity of the South Sudanese nation.