[PRESS RELEASE] – Roads, Land Top Central Equatoria Martyrs’ Day Agenda

(JUBA) – The leadership of Central Equatoria State has used this year’s Martyrs’ Day commemoration to call for renewed efforts towards peace, inclusive development and social cohesion across the state.

Speaking from the state capital Juba on 30 July 2025, Governor Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel Laila paid tribute to those who died in the liberation struggle, noting that the sacrifices made by the people of Central Equatoria and other regions must not be in vain.

Governor Laila said that Martyrs’ Day was a moment for South Sudanese, particularly in Central Equatoria, to reflect on the cost of freedom and recommit themselves to a future of unity and stability. He urged communities in the state to reject hatred, tribalism and land based divisions, calling instead for reconciliation and peaceful co-existence.

He emphasised the role of the state government in delivering essential services and creating an environment where citizens can thrive. Among the state’s development priorities are improving roads, expanding access to education and rehabilitating health centres across counties in Central Equatoria.

On the issue of land, which remains a source of tension in parts of the state, Governor Laila pledged to ensure that disputes are resolved lawfully through institutional mechanisms. He said the government would uphold transparency and fairness in addressing all land related grievances, in order to restore confidence and prevent future conflict.

The governor also praised President Salva Kiir Mayardit for his leadership during the transition and thanked the late Dr John Garang de Mabior for laying the foundation of South Sudan’s struggle. He said their legacies would continue to inspire the Central Equatoria government to push forward with peace, development, and institutional reform.

A key part of the Martyrs’ Day message included a renewed commitment to peacebuilding at the grassroots level. Governor Laila noted that Central Equatoria has made strides in engaging with groups that remain outside the formal peace framework, particularly through dialogue and community outreach initiatives.

He said the best way to honour the martyrs was through tangible action by building roads, schools, hospitals and ensuring security and justice for all.