By: Ginaba Lino
The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan to the Kingdom of Belgium has called on South Sudanese living abroad to remain united and actively contribute to the country’s peace and development as the nation commemorated its 15th Independence Anniversary.
Speaking on behalf of South Sudan’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luate Samuel Lominsuk, diplomat Irene M Simaya Toro delivered the message during a Thanksgiving Holy Mass held by South Sudanese Catholic priests of Sant Augustine in St. Stefanus Parish, Gent-Belgium, attended by members of the South Sudanese community from Belgium.
Toro said the celebration was a moment to thank God for the gift of independence achieved on July 9, 2011, while honoring the sacrifices of the countless men and women whose struggle secured South Sudan’s sovereignty.
“This year’s theme, ’15 Years of Freedom A Better Future Together,’ reminds us of our shared responsibility to build a peaceful, prosperous and united nation,” she said.
She praised the South Sudanese diaspora for their resilience, hard work, and continued support for one another, describing them as the country’s greatest strength. She urged community members to become ambassadors of South Sudan wherever they live by promoting unity, peace, and a positive image of the country.
Toro also encouraged South Sudanese and friends of the country to invest in South Sudan, saying increased investment would help accelerate development and create opportunities for future generations.
She thanked the church leadership for hosting the Thanksgiving celebration and expressed special appreciation to the South Sudanese Augustinian Catholic priests of the Belgium Province for organizing the Holy Mass.
Conveying Independence Day greetings on behalf of Ambassador Lominsuk and the embassy staff, Toro reminded the gathering that “independence is our pride, and unity is our power,” before quoting Psalm 33:12 and praying for God’s continued blessings upon South Sudan.
South Sudan gained independence on July 9, 2011. Since then, the world’s youngest nation has faced severe hurdles, including devastating civil war (2013–2018), economic collapse tied to oil dependency, and massive humanitarian crises. Efforts to overcome these challenges center around the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS) and ongoing international relief initiatives.