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Juba – Alwadi Newspaper
The President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, has reviewed the strategic plan for the development of national museums and the preservation of cultural heritage during his meeting with the Minister of Culture, Museums and Heritage, Sarah Nyanath Elijiah Yong.
The Minister provided a comprehensive briefing on the ministry’s plans to establish and modernize national museums and archival institutions, as well as to develop heritage preservation systems aimed at documenting the country’s history, including its liberation struggle and national achievements, and safeguarding cultural identity for future generations.
She emphasized that the plan is in line with previous presidential directives calling for a transformative shift in the cultural sector, alongside the promotion of peace and national unity. She noted that culture remains a fundamental pillar in strengthening national identity and uniting all components of society, including the country’s 64 tribes.
In the same context, the Minister stressed the importance of institutionalizing key national historical dates, such as May 16 and May 19, by incorporating them into a structured national framework. She also highlighted the need to establish national museums, a formal national archive, and monuments dedicated to national heroes as urgent priorities for the next phase.
The Minister further addressed the issue of cultural artifacts located outside the country, noting that a number of these items are held in Sudan and Kenya, in addition to large collections in the United Kingdom. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing their repatriation through international channels.
For his part, President Kiir stressed the importance of protecting and reclaiming the country’s national heritage, noting that many historical sites and symbols have been altered or neglected over the years. He directed relevant authorities to identify lost items and work toward their recovery, while strengthening cooperation with international partners to preserve cultural heritage and promote it as part of national tourism development.
