Full Text: Address to the nation celebrating the 65th anniversary of the historic Torit Revolt
[Full text] Address to the nation by Chairman of the National Salvation Front (NAS) Gen Thomas Cirillo on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the revolutionary Torit Revolt.
Today marks a historic day for the people of South Sudan. It is the 65th anniversary of the Torit Revolt when the people of South Sudan rose up against the colonialists and the oppressive regime in Khartoum. It was the start of the people’s struggle against oppression in Sudan in which Southern Sudanese were subjugated as slaves and second-class citizens in their country.
The Leadership of the National Salvation Front (NAS) congratulates the people of South Sudan on this day of the first people’s revolution, the Torit Revolt of 18th August 1955. On this historic day, we salute our forefathers who courageously refused oppression and launched the struggle for freedom and dignity of our people 65 years ago. NAS pays tribute to the martyrs who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives in that revolt that lit the torch of the subsequent struggles of our people against oppression and injustice.
We salute the heroes and pay tribute to the martyrs of the Anya Nya struggle that for seventeen years waged a war for the freedom of the people of South Sudan. They were a people determined to be free and run their own affairs.
We also salute and pay tribute to the martyrs of the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) who fought for twenty-one years for freedom of the people of South Sudan culminating in the independence of the country.
I would rather die standing than live on my knees
Fellow Citizens,
When our forefathers rose against the regime in Khartoum 65 years ago, they were convinced that living under oppression, injustices and indignity was not acceptable and never an option. Armed with very basic firearms and traditional weapons they took on the superior army of the Khartoum regime with courage and valour. The brave men who fired the first bullets of that day knew that their lives were worthless if they are not free and are to live as slaves and second-class citizens. As the saying goes ” I would rather die standing than live on my knees“.
Our forefathers did not surrender to the oppressors despite the military superiority of the oppressors, it was a people’s struggle for freedom and dignity and no weapon could defeat.
Our forefathers did not surrender to the oppressors despite the military superiority of the oppressors, it was a people’s struggle for freedom and dignity and no weapon could defeat.
As we celebrate the 65th anniversary of the revolt of our forefathers we, unfortunately, are being reminded of the cruel reality that our country is facing the same type of oppression and marginalization that our forefathers refused to accept and rose to resist and fight against.
Sadly, the regime in Juba led by President Kiir has betrayed the cause of our people’s struggle as started by our forefathers 65 years ago….
Sadly, the regime in Juba led by President Kiir has betrayed the cause of our people’s struggle as started by our forefathers 65 years ago. South Sudan has descended into chaos and impunity under the leadership of Salva Kiir and his kleptocratic regime in Juba. Today South Sudan has become a theatre of grisly ethnic wars orchestrated by the elites in Juba.
The kleptocratic regime of Salva Kiir has torn the fabric of our society and looted the country’s resources. As a result, the people of South Sudan lack the basic services of security, health, education, clean water, and infrastructure.
Fellow Citizens,
The National Salvation Front calls on the sons and daughters of South Sudan, to emulate the spirit of our forefathers to resist oppression and subjugation. The people must rise up and take charge of their destiny and the destiny of their country.
The National Salvation Front (NAS) and its like-minded allies will continue to lead the struggle of the people of South Sudan and never let down the noble cause started by our forefathers until we achieve our people’s hopes and aspirations to restore freedom, dignity, justice, and power to the people of South Sudan.
Our people will rise again!
May God bless South Sudan
[Signed]
Gen. Thomas Cirillo Swaka
Chairman and Commander-in-Chief
