South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Mayak Majak Madit Tokjok
Lakes State on Wednesday, commemorated the 14th anniversary of South Sudan’s Independence, expressing deep gratitude to President Salva Kiir and Governor Rin Tueny Mabor for their leadership in maintaining peace and stability throughout the state.
Stephen Mathiang Deng Monydit, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, represented Governor Rin Tueny Mabor during the Independence Day celebrations congratulated President Salva Kiir for his commitment to “not take the country to war again” and thanked Governor Rin for ensuring security and stability in the state.
“Since Lakes State has experienced peaceful coexistence among its civilian population, agricultural production should be prioritised to enhance economic sustainability in the face of economic hardships. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit is the sole presidential candidate for the SPLM party in the upcoming general elections, scheduled for 26 December 2026, and Lakes State is 100 percent sure to support his candidacy,” he stated.
Hon. Beny Gideon Mabor, the national undersecretary of the Ministry of East African Affairs, highlighted the positive role played by the people of Lakes State in the independence of South Sudan.
“Rumbek has been pivotal in our history; it was here that Dr. John Garang De Mabior handed over leadership to H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit at Rumbek Freedom Square in 2005,” he added.
Mabor further emphasised the need for development in the state, calling for accurate construction of roads, bridges, and standard surveys.
Mr. Christopher Muchiri Murenga, Head of the UNMISS field office in Rumbek, stated that stakeholders and communities across the country should work together to improve security for the people. He noted that the people of Rumbek are friendly and supportive of development and peace, and that UNMISS remains committed to supporting peace in the state.
Dut Manak Akuot, Commissioner of Rumbek Central County, praised H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit for his bold leadership in securing South Sudan’s independence on 9th July 2011, achieved through struggle.
“On this occasion, we remember the heroes, orphans, widows, and veterans who fought for the rights of South Sudanese. The absence of our beloved ones who were lost in the fight for self-determination was not in vain,” he said.
He called for unity among the people of Lakes State to advance the nation and thanked UNMISS for its substantial support for peace in the state.
Mr. Marial Abraham Makur, Lakes State Chairperson of the SPLM Youth League, expressed concern over the alarming gang activity in the state and suggested that those involved be kept in separate jails and trained as police officers to protect the state.
Mrs. Agum Joseph Kuch, Chairlady of Women in Lakes State, urged the government to provide public services, particularly to communities lacking access to clean water. She also called for banks to grant loans to women to support businesses across the country, thereby improving the welfare of children and the quality of parental care.
Mrs. Angelina Adhel Malual, Chairperson of a civil society organisation, urged youths to distance themselves from political parties that seek to exploit them.
She also encouraged women to promote peace and unity in the face of songs that fuel communal conflict.
Mr. Madol Mathok Agolder, Paramount Chief of Jiir Payam in Rumbek Central County, called for the deployment of organised forces in hotspot areas, including Amokpiny and Rumbek North, as the security of these communities and their cattle remains unstable due to threats from neighbouring states.
