By Emmanuel Mandella

As South Sudan marked its 14th Independence Day, a senior military official appealed to the residents of Western Equatoria State to embrace peace, unity, and national service in order to build a stable and self-reliant region.

General Bior Kuir Deng, the Deputy Division Commander of the Sixth Infantry Division of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), made the remarks during the celebrations held at Yambio Freedom Square on Wednesday, where he congratulated the people of South Sudan and praised the leadership of the country’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, describing him as “our able leader and Commander-in-Chief.”

Commander Bior also acknowledged the sacrifices of the people of Western Equatoria during the liberation struggle, singling out women, youth, the elderly, and peasants for “fighting hard without exception.”

“This day is your day, you sacrificed and ultimately raised this flag. This colorful flag that we are enjoying its shadows today,” he said, urging for reconciliation, unity, and development in the region.

“I am appealing to the people of Western Equatoria to work for peace and reconciliation to enhance development and service delivery,” Commander Bior said. “Nobody from outside will come and reconcile us. So let us reconcile so that we develop because with war, there will be no roads, no hospitals, no sustainable development, no future, or proper schools.”

He called on His Majesty the King of the Azande, the public and civil society to double their efforts in fostering peace and unity, warning that division would only derail the progress for which many had fought for.

In a bid to strengthen the region’s representation in the national army, the commander encouraged youth from Western Equatoria to avail themselves for recruitment to fill the low numbers in the state.

“Our doors are open for recruitment,” he announced. “We need more sons and daughters of Western Equatoria in our army.”

Commander Bior further urged the public to take agriculture seriously as a tool to combat hunger, emphasizing that every sector, from civilians to uniformed personnel must take part in food production.

“All of us must dwell in agriculture to fight hunger,” he emphasized. “Long live the people of South Sudan!”