JUBA – On this day, in July 2005, South Sudan’s founding father Dr. John Garang De Mabior, died in a tragic helicopter crash, leaving the nation devastated and wanting answers.
Dr. Garang is considered the major influence on the liberation movement that led to the foundation of South Sudan’s independence.
He led the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) and briefly served as the First Vice President of Sudan following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
In his famous speech at the signing ceremony of the CPA, Garang outlined the SPLM vision for a people-centered economic transformation through improved agriculture and infrastructural development.
Garang died after the Ugandan presidential Mi-172 helicopter he was flying in crashed in New Cush, an area along the Uganda-South Sudan border.
He had been returning from a meeting with long-time ally President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda. An international team of investigators ruled that the incident was caused by bad weather.
Kiir pays tribute to martyrs
In his address to the nation on July 30, 2025, President Kiir called for renewed commitment to the ideals of liberation struggle, while paying tribute to those who died in the 21-year war for independence. He hails the late Dr. John Garang and others for their sacrifice for the country’s sovereignty.
“On this day, we pay tribute to our founding leader, Dr. John Garang de Mabior, and to all those courageous individuals who stood firm through years of struggle, giving their lives so that future generations might live in a free and sovereign nation,” he said.
“As we reflect on their legacy, we must renew our commitment to the ideals for which they gave their lives, peace, unity and development.”
Kiir further said while the country attained independence, it has not achieved lasting peace and development.
He called on political leaders and citizens to put aside their political differences and work for the greater good.
“My fellow comrades, our mandate is to work tirelessly for the welfare of all citizens, putting aside personal and political differences for the greater good of our country. Though the war for liberation has ended, the journey towards lasting peace, stability and development continues.”
” This new struggle calls for dedication, good governance and collective effort. Let us honour the memory of our martyrs by building a South Sudan that reflects their vision.”
