Speech of the PUF Chairman on SPLA 40th Anniversary

Dear Fellow Country men and Women,

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA), it is important to reflect on the journey that has led us to this point. We have witnessed the devastating effects of violence and conflict, and it is clear that there is no benefit in war. It is time for us to denounce violence and embrace peace as the only way forward towards a brighter future for our people.

We must all work towards creating an environment of dialogue and understanding, where grievances can be aired and addressed through peaceful means. It will require a collective effort from all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the international community. Let us use this anniversary as an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the path of peace and work towards a better tomorrow for all South Sudanese people.

Unity is critical for any society to thrive. It is even more crucial for a nation that is recovering from years of civil war and conflict. The SPLA has come a long way since its formation in 1983. However, the road to peace and stability is still long. Therefore, it is essential to emphasize the importance of unity as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the SPLA.

Unity can help us overcome our differences and work towards common goals. The SPLA has members from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, and it is essential to understand that diversity is our strength. By coming together and working towards a common goal, we can achieve lasting peace and prosperity for all. We must put our differences aside and focus on what unites us as a people. Only then can we build a better future for the generations to come.

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the SPLA, it is important to recognize the need for peace in our country. The people of South Sudan have suffered for far too long, and it is time to put an end to the violence and conflict that has plagued the country.

Peace is not just a lofty ideal, but a practical necessity for the people of South Sudan. It is only through peace that we can create a stable and prosperous future for all the citizens of this country. We must work together to find a lasting solution to the conflict and build a society that is based on justice, equality, and respect for human rights. It will require our commitment and cooperation, as well as the support of the international community. But with determination and perseverance, we can achieve peace in South Sudan and create a brighter future for all.

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the SPLA, it is important to denounce tribalism. Tribalism has been a major issue in South Sudan and has contributed to the ongoing conflict in our country. It is time for us to come together as a united people and put an end to tribalism.

Tribalism promotes division and hatred among people who are supposed to be united. It undermines the progress of the nation and hinders the development of the country. It is important for us to recognize that we are all South Sudanese and that our differences should not be a source of conflict. Let us work towards building a nation that is based on unity, respect, and equality for all. It can only be achieved if we denounce tribalism and embrace our diversity as a strength.

It is time for the people of South Sudan to take control of their own destiny. The only way to do this is to give them the power to elect their own leaders at all levels of governance. This will ensure that their voices are heard, and their needs are met. It is time for the government to step aside and let the people decide who will lead them.

By giving the power back to the people of South Sudan, we can create a more transparent and accountable government. This will lead to a more stable and prosperous nation, where the needs of the people come first. We cannot continue to rely on a small group of individuals to make decisions for the entire nation. It is time for change, and it starts with giving the power back to the people.

It is important to acknowledge the critical roles played by the international community in helping South Sudan attain independence. Without the support of the United Nations, African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and other international organizations, the dream of a free and independent South Sudan may not have been realized. The international community provided crucial diplomatic, financial, and logistical support during the long struggle for independence, and continues to play an important role in the ongoing development of the country.

While there is still much work to be done to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for South Sudan, it is clear that the international community has played a vital role in getting the country to where it is today. As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the SPLA, let us take a moment to thank the international community for their unwavering support and commitment to the people of South Sudan.

Thank you very much.

Dr. Gai Chol Paul,

Chairman.