Majak Riak, known by his battlefield nickname "Congole," is an Anya-Nya I veteran from Yirol in Lakes State. He was entrusted by the late General Joseph Lagu with procuring weapons through Congo during the first liberation struggle. Majak's language skills in Congolese became useful to the liberation movement, and he was assigned to buy guns and transport them to South Sudan. He successfully purchased over 30 guns, which were supplied to the fighters in the bush.
Before the fighters acquired conventional firearms, Majak said their struggle depended on improvised weapons, including homemade petrol bombs known as Molotov cocktails. He described carrying between 10 and 12 of the bombs in a backpack and using them against vehicles belonging to the Sudanese government forces. Majak's account offers a glimpse into the conditions under which the Anya-Nya I fighters operated, relying on improvised weapons, limited supplies, and support from communities along the borders.
Majak also recalled being among 60 officers selected by Lagu for military training in Israel in 1971. He said the group included the late Dr John Garang de Mabior, with whom he shared a room during the two-month training programme. The training was an important stage in the development of the liberation movement, and Majak described it as a crucial experience that helped shape the fighters' skills.
Majak's memories of carrying homemade bombs, procuring weapons, and undergoing military training with fellow officers reflect a period when the liberation movement operated with limited resources. He remains grateful to Lagu for leading the struggle that eventually resulted in South Sudan's independence in 2011. Majak also acknowledged President Salva Kiir Mayardit, saying the country's independence was the outcome of a struggle carried out by generations of fighters.
Beyond remembering Lagu, Majak used his remarks to appeal to South Sudanese leaders to honour other people who contributed to the liberation struggle but whose stories and sacrifices, he said, should not be forgotten. He particularly called for the return of the remains of the late Chief Stephen Changkol, whom he described as a community leader who mobilised women and young people to provide food to fighters during the liberation struggle.
Majak's account adds a personal voice to the history of the men and women who fought for the country. He believes their contribution should not end with the signing of condolence books and public tributes, but should also be reflected in efforts to preserve their history and honour those who remain buried outside the country. As South Sudan mourns one of the central figures of its first liberation struggle, Majak's story serves as a reminder of the people who sacrificed their lives, time, and resources for the country's independence.
Majak appealed to President Kiir to continue leading the country, saying he did not want to lose another leader who had been part of the liberation struggle. He also reflected on the country's current leadership, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. As the nation looks to the future, Majak's story serves as a testament to the bravery and resilience of those who fought for South Sudan's independence.
Key points
- Majak Riak, an Anya-Nya I veteran, procured over 30 guns for the fighters under Gen. Joseph Lagu's command during the first liberation struggle.
- Majak was part of a group of 60 officers selected for military training in Israel in 1971, which included the late Dr John Garang de Mabior.
- Majak is calling for the return of the remains of Chief Stephen Changkol, a community leader who supported the Anya-Nya I fighters and later joined the SPLA during the second liberation war.
