Minister of Culture, Museums, and National heritage/ Sarah Nyanath Elijah/ addressing the media on 17^th /July 2026

 By Awuou Michael

The Ministry of Culture, Museums and National Heritage has called on South Sudanese citizens to light candles on July 30, Martyrs’ Day, as a symbolic tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom, independence, and sovereignty.

Speaking to journalists in Juba on Thursday, the Minister of Culture, Museums and National Heritage, Sarah Nyanath Elijah, urged citizens across the country to mark the national day through peaceful acts of remembrance that reflect the nation’s gratitude to its fallen heroes and heroines.

“We are calling upon all South Sudanese to light candles on July 30 as a symbol of remembrance and gratitude for those who laid down their lives for the freedom, independence, and sovereignty of our nation,” Nyanath said.

The Minister encouraged communities to organize candlelight vigils, prayers, and moments of silence, memorial gatherings, and educational activities in homes, churches, mosques, schools, and public institutions.

She said such events would provide an opportunity for citizens of all generations to reflect on the country’s history and honor those whose sacrifices contributed to the birth of South Sudan.

Nyanath acknowledged that this year’s Martyrs’ Day observance will take place without a dedicated government budget for official commemorative activities.

She attributed the situation to the country’s economic constraints, competing national priorities, and preparations for the forthcoming national elections.

“Although the government is facing financial challenges, our collective responsibility to honour the memory of our martyrs remains unchanged. Their sacrifice must continue to inspire our commitment to peace, unity and nation-building,” she said.

The Minister appealed to the governments of the ten states, the three administrative areas, county and local authorities, traditional leaders, religious institutions, civil society organisations, as well as youth and women’s groups, to organize peaceful and dignified commemorations within their respective communities.

She said broad participation in the remembrance activities would strengthen national solidarity while promoting reconciliation, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among South Sudanese.

According to Nyanath, Martyrs’ Day is not only an occasion to honour those who paid the ultimate price for the country’s liberation, but also an opportunity to reaffirm the values of unity, patriotism and shared responsibility for South Sudan’s future.

“The Ministry remains committed to preserving our national heritage and ensuring that the sacrifices of our martyrs are remembered and passed on to future generations,” she said.

Martyrs’ Day is observed annually on July 30 to commemorate South Sudanese men and women who lost their lives during the country’s struggle for self-determination and independence. The day is marked by remembrance activities across the country to honour their legacy and renew the nation’s commitment to peace and unity.