By Sabri Dibaco
The SPLM National Women’s League on Thursday held a major mobilisation rally as preparations intensify for the upcoming May 16 celebrations marking the anniversary of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
The gathering, led by the Chairperson of the SPLM National Women’s League, Cde. Adak Costa drew hundreds of residents, the majority of them women, who gathered in support of the ruling party and its planned anniversary activities.
Speaking during the event, as seen in the press release, Costa praised the women of Hai Mauna for what she described as their continued loyalty and commitment to the SPLM, saying the movement remains the backbone of South Sudan’s liberation struggle and independence.
“Without the SPLM, there would be no South Sudan,” she told the crowd, emphasising the historical role played by the movement in achieving freedom for the country.
Costa delivered three key messages during her address to the residents.
First, she urged citizens across South Sudan to turn up in large numbers for the May 16 celebrations, describing the day as a significant moment in the history of both the SPLM and the country.
She also encouraged citizens to wear red clothing during the celebrations in remembrance of the bloodshed by heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the liberation struggle, assuring the public that general elections will take place in December 2026 and reaffirming support for President Salva Kiir Mayardit. Costa further urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid what she termed as enemies of peace and stability.
The mobilisation event forms part of a broader nationwide campaign being conducted by SPLM leagues and party structures following directives issued by the SPLM Secretary General ahead of the May anniversary celebrations.
Despite the cries of citizens across the country because of the current economic situation and lack of civil servants’ salaries, the government continues with the celebration of festivals.
May 16 is commemorated annually by the SPLM as the official beginning of the liberation struggle launched in 1983 under the leadership of the late Dr. John Garang de Mabior. The movement fought for decades against successive governments in Khartoum before South Sudan gained independence on July 9, 2011.
In recent weeks, the SPLM has intensified mobilisation activities across different parts of the country as the party prepares for the celebrations and the anticipated general elections scheduled for December 2026.
The event concluded with songs, chants, and messages of solidarity as supporters pledged continued support for the SPLM and peace in South Sudan.