By Suzan Peter Mabuong

On July 9th, South Sudan marked its Independence Day, an occasion that lives in the hearts of all South Sudanese as a symbol of hope, freedom, and sacrifice. It is a day to remember the rivers of blood shed by our forefathers so we might stand in liberty. But beyond decorations, parades, and songs, this day is a powerful invitation to each of us: to not just celebrate, but to commit ourselves to building the country of our dreams.

I know this because, for over twenty years, I lived in exile. Every day away from South Sudan felt like living with a wound that wouldn’t heal. I missed the red soil of my homeland, the laughter of neighbors, the feeling of being with my extended family members and friends. I prayed constantly: God, please keep my country safe. Let me go home. Returning home has been a dream come true. I would never trade it for anything in the world. That longing taught me that South Sudan is priceless. It is not just land. It is us.

But our dream of independence did not end at the ballot box in 2011. It did not end with the raising of the flag or the singing of the anthem. Our dream is alive only when we choose, every single day, to work for a better nation.

We need to show love and dignity to South Sudan by keeping it clean and free of tribalism and corruption. Let us teach our children to treat every person as a brother or sister. Let us care for our environment by disposing of waste properly and keeping our markets, roads, and rivers clean. A country that values cleanliness shows respect for itself and for God

Spiritual strength is part of our nation’s foundation. As Adut Garang Deng Nyang shared:

“South Sudan’s Independence Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices of our forefathers who fought and died for the freedom we enjoy today. We should honor their memory by working together in peace, unity, and harmony to build a better nation. My own experience celebrating 2023 was disappointing. I witnessed many people, young and old, drunk, fighting, and behaving dangerously on the roads. Even respected professionals were acting this way. Independence Day shouldn’t be about drinking or fighting but coming together meaningfully. As youth, we should make it a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, asking God for wisdom for our leaders and blessings for our nation.”

These words are a challenge to us all: let us choose prayer over violence, gratitude over anger, and wisdom over foolishness.

Mangok Mangok Mayen, a returnee and respected community leader, offers another perspective:

“I lived abroad for decades. When I decided to come home, it was not just to live here, but to serve. We who have been outside know the value of stability, order, and hard work. Independence Day is not only for celebration, but for reflection. Are we living the values our martyrs died for? Are we building schools, clinics, and businesses? Are we raising our children to love all South Sudanese equally? This day should renew our commitment to fight tribalism and corruption. Every South Sudanese has a duty to make this nation great.”

Indeed, our biggest enemy is not an outside power but the divisions we nurture among ourselves. Tribalism turns brothers into rivals, while corruption robs our children of education, health, and hope. Ending these evils start in our hearts and homes. It means rejecting hate speech, demanding transparency from leaders, and being honest in our daily work.

Ladu Emmanuel Legge reminds us of the original promise of our freedom:

“Growing up in the SPLM controlled areas, we looked forward to what was referred to us as the New Sudan, a Sudan where all South Sudanese would be free to dream. A Sudan where a young boy had an opportunity to become whatever he wanted. My father was excited with the prospect of a Sudan without Arabs’ oppressive rule. After the referendum, and the subsequent declaration of independence, I can freely say things have never looked close to that dream country. The slogans of promised land faded just after 2012. As it is, I ask, are we truly independent? Recently indicators showed South Sudanese staggering in abject poverty.”

This is a hard truth. But it is not a reason for despair. It is a reason to work even harder to fulfill the promise of independence. Let us build a country where no child goes hungry, no girl is denied school, no farmer is forced off his land by violence.

Daniel Chol Dhom offers a vision of hope:

“What makes me proud to be South Sudanese is our cultural diversity. South Sudan is home to many cultures, languages, and traditions, fostering a strong sense of identity and community among its ethnic groups. Also, its natural beauty from the Sudd wetland to the mountains. My hope for the future of South Sudan lies in the strong spirit of hope and determination among our people to build a peaceful and prosperous country despite the past conflict. Our cultural heritage, traditional music, dance, and art give us pride.”

We must preserve this heritage. Our diversity is not our weakness but our strength. Let our Independence Day be marked by cultural shows, community cleanups, prayers, and meaningful conversations about building peace.

Adeng Kuel Maluil, a young South Sudanese girl living in the United States, shared her dream with us:

“Even though I am far away, my heart is in South Sudan. I want to come back one day and contribute to my country. I want to help build schools and inspire young girls to dream big. Independence Day reminds me that home is waiting for us, and that we have a responsibility to make it better.”

Her words should inspire every South Sudanese in the diaspora. Return if you can. If not, invest in projects back home. Support education. Speak proudly of your country and help us change its image.

On this Independence month, let us remember: South Sudan is priceless. It is our shared inheritance and our shared responsibility. Let us honor the blood that was shed by working with clean hands and united hearts.

Happy Independence Day, South Sudan. May God bless you. May God guide us all as we build this nation together.

Short biography:

Suzan Peter Mabuong is a weekly columnist with ‘The City Review’ on social impact. She is a Ph.D. candidate in Organizational Leadership at Grand Canyon University. Having lived in Canada and the United States for more than two decades before returning to South Sudan, Suzan brings a unique perspective that goes beyond the surface to explore the real stories shaping the nation. Suzan stands firm on the promises of God’s protection: “The Lord will keep you from all harm, He will watch over your life” (Psalm 121:7). Contact Suzan at: beyondtheheadlines.ssd@gmail.com