The Chairman Speaks: Our strength is our integrity, vision and sacrifice – not our guns
The Chairman of the National Salvation Front (NAS), General Thomas Cirillo, has attributed the movement’s enduring popularity among South Sudanese to its unshakable principles, unwavering vision, and loyalty to the people—not military power or political deals.
Addressing members during the inauguration of NAS’s newly appointed advisors, the chairman dismissed the notion that revolutionary legitimacy is defined by firepower. He affirmed that NAS has captured the trust and respect of the people through years of consistency, sacrifice, and refusal to compromise on justice.
“Sometimes you may feel like you are nobody, that you are weak,” he told NAS members. “But the people of South Sudan know you. They value you. NAS is in their hearts and minds because they see us as their hope.”
A Movement Powered by Principle, Not Guns
The chairman acknowledged that those who measure strength in terms of guns and territory often underestimated NAS. But he made clear that revolutions are not won by weapons alone—they are sustained by moral clarity, a just cause, and the determination of a committed people.
“There are many groups in South Sudan with more weapons than us. The government itself has all the arms of the world. Other opposition movements, like IO, have more guns than NAS,” he said. “But why do our people continue to respect NAS? Why do they see it as a beacon of hope?“
He answered that question simply: because NAS has never betrayed the people. While other movements have splintered or accepted compromises that prolong suffering, NAS has remained true to its founding mission.
“We have been tested. We have gone through hell. And yet, after all these years, NAS remains strong. The people believe in us because we have never compromised their freedom,” he said.
Pride in the Struggle
The chairman encouraged NAS members to remain proud of their efforts and unshaken in their resolve. He urged them to reject propaganda designed to demoralize and distract, and to continue standing firm in their communities.
“Hold your heads high. We are not the ones who should be ashamed. The ones who should feel shame are those who signed agreements that led our people into deeper suffering,” he said.
He emphasised that NAS’s popularity is itself a form of victory:
“Despite everything, the people still believe in NAS. That means we have done something right. And we will continue until the day South Sudanese walk with pride in their own land, free from oppression.“
The Future Belongs to the Uncompromising
Looking ahead, the chairman reaffirmed NAS’s total commitment to the liberation of South Sudan. He said that justice, good governance, and national dignity remain non-negotiable goals for the movement.
“We will not be distracted. We will not be discouraged. We will not surrender. The future belongs to those who refuse to kneel before oppression. And that is NAS,” he declared.
He then delivered a powerful personal pledge to all NAS members and the South Sudanese people:
I will be with you in every valley. I will be with you in every street. I will be with you in the bushes, in the towns—everywhere you are and everywhere our people are. Until we see our people coming home with pride, with their heads up, singing the beautiful song of freedom.
Related:
We must lead by example: NAS Chairman tells newly inaugurated council members and senior advisors
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