42 Heroes Remembered in Pochalla’s Liberation Story

(POCHALLA) – The King of the Anyuak community in Pochalla South County, Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), has called on citizens to embrace peace and national unity as South Sudan moves closer to its first ever general elections set for December 2026.

King Cham Odiel Gora of the Goc Royal Dynasty made the appeal during South Sudan’s 14th Independence Day celebrations held in Pochalla Town, near the Ethiopian border. The event brought together local government officials, traditional leaders, schoolchildren, army personnel and cultural performers in a colourful display of national pride.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, King Cham reminded citizens of the high price paid for South Sudan’s independence and stressed the need to put aside political differences and focus on preparing the country for a democratic transition.

“President Salva Kiir has declared elections for next year. In Pochalla, we stand firmly behind the president and support the elections,” he said. “Despite the economic struggles and insecurity in parts of the country, we should never forget the sacrifices that earned us our freedom.”

The king raised concern over continued violence in some areas, particularly the killing of farmers and road ambushes. He urged communities to abandon such harmful practices and work towards peaceful coexistence.

“There are road ambushes and killings of farmers, and we must end these actions if we are to truly enjoy our hard-won freedoms and develop through agriculture,” he added.

Brigadier Arobo Ojulu Deng, the area’s army commander, supported the king’s message. He said Independence Day serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by many soldiers who died during the liberation struggle.

“42 of my fellow soldiers from Equatoria, Bahr el Ghazal, and Upper Nile died in one battle in 1996 while liberating Pochalla from Khartoum forces,” Brigadier Arobo recounted. “For me, this day is to honour them. Despite our current challenges, we have the freedom they fought for.”

Pochalla South County Commissioner Othow Okoti Abich also addressed the crowd, stressing the need for forgiveness and unity. He noted that the celebrations were held at the site where the South Sudanese flag was first hoisted in the area following its liberation in 1996.

“We chose this site to remember our martyrs. Forty two South Sudanese lost their lives in that single battle, and it is important that we honour their legacy,” said the commissioner. “Let us stop inter communal conflict and embrace farming as a path to development.”