To mark the 15th anniversary of South Sudan's founding, an Independence Marathon was organized to promote unity.

Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:

Digital, in cooperation with the South Sudan Athletics Federation, announced the organization of the «Independence Marathon 2026» in the capital Juba on July 9, in celebration of the fifteenth anniversary of the country’s independence, as part of initiatives to support national unity and promote the values of peace and coexistence.

The marathon is held under the slogan of promoting national unity.

During a press conference held today, the organizers explained that the marathon will be held under the slogan of promoting national unity, and will include several competitive and recreational races aimed at different categories, including men, women, youth and juniors, with the aim of expanding the base of community participation.

The organizers of the event stressed that sports represent an effective means of bringing people closer together and promoting the spirit of reconciliation and solidarity, especially in light of the challenges facing the country, noting that the marathon comes to reflect the spirit of national belonging and brings together different segments of society in one occasion.

Registration is available via digital platforms

The company «Digital» and the Athletics Federation called on citizens and athletes to participate in this national event, explaining that registration is available through the company’s digital platforms, including the «Digi Cash» service, for a nominal fee of 5,000 South Sudanese pounds, in a step aimed at providing the opportunity to the largest possible number of participants.

The marathon is expected to see wide participation, becoming one of the most prominent sporting events accompanying the Independence Day celebrations, and reflecting the state’s direction towards employing sports as a tool to promote social stability and build bridges of communication between citizens.

In a related context, the President of South Sudan received Lieutenant General Salva Kiir MayarditOn Monday, the African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, concluded a five-day consultative visit to South Sudan.

During the meeting, Kikwete gave the President a comprehensive briefing on the results of his consultations with various parties involved in the transitional phase, including political parties, opposition groups, the National Elections Commission, the National Constitutional Review Commission, the Political Parties Affairs Council, as well as representatives of the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), members of the diplomatic corps, and partners in the political process.

Read more: The African Union affirms its support for a peaceful political transition in South Sudan.