Martyrs' Day (South Sudan)

Martyrs' Day is a public holiday in South Sudan, observed on July 30 yearly. The holiday commemorates those who died during the liberation struggle of South Sudan.

Due to the religious differences between the north and south, some mutinies broke out in the Sudanese army in the southern regions in 1983. These mutinies led to the establishment of the SPLA, led by John Garang. Initially, the SPLA campaigned for a United Sudan against the policies not great to the south but changed to gain full independence for South Sudan.

The Sudanese Civil War started in 1983 between the central Sudanese government and the SPLA. From 1989 to 1991, SPLA occupied many towns and controlled most parts of southern Sudan. The civil war lasted 22 years until 2005 and resulted in the independence of South Sudan six years later. However, about 2 million people died due to the war.

On July 30, 2005, John Garang died in a helicopter crash. That day was chosen as the celebration day of Martyrs' Day. John Garang founded the SPLA, now the South Sudan People's Defence Forces. He was the leader of the SPLA during the Sudanese Civil War and is regarded as the founding father of South Sudan.

The following is the list of Martyrs' Day in South Sudan from 2022 to 2026.

Please check more public holidays in South Sudan: