From Sacred Battleground to Paradise on Earth, The Sanctuary of Our Liberation Crowned a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Today marks a monumental, defining chapter in the history of our great nation as the Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape is officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming South Sudan’s first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adopted at the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea, this landmark decision honors a vast ecosystem that hosts the Great Nile Migration, the largest land mammal migration on Earth, where millions of white-eared kob, tiang antelope, and Mongalla gazelles undertake their spectacular annual journey across our native lands.

While the world now celebrates this breathtaking expanse for its wildlife and natural splendor, the SPLM and the people of South Sudan know this land as something far deeper, far more sacred, and eternally profound. To the generation that fought for our freedom, Boma and Badingilo were never just wildernesses. This vast area and its rich wildlife hosted the liberation struggle of the SPLM/SPLA. Beneath its great trees, we fought fierce wars and found refuge for our people. It provided meat for the hungry in our darkest hours and drank the blood of our precious martyrs. It was like Jerusalem to our people, a holy sanctuary that hid us, covered us, empowered us, witnessed our living history, and hosted our strategic meetings under its canopy. Today, this global recognition cements that sacred legacy and opens the doors for the whole world to see that our fierce battleground is paradise on earth. It is precisely for this reason that the SPLM/SPLA fought the long war: to stand tall and witness this glorious day.

On this historic occasion, we bow our heads in deep and eternal tribute to our martyrs, whose supreme sacrifices made this milestone possible. We pay special homage to our visionary leader, Comrade Dr. John Garang De Mabior, and Comrade Nyachigak Nyachiluk, who both came from this very soil, alongside all our fallen heroes. Without their blood, sweat, and ultimate sacrifice, this nation and this international honor would not exist today.

We salute and warmly congratulate our able Comrade Chairman, General Salva Kiir Mayardit, for steering us with wisdom and determination through every storm to make this dream a reality. May he live long and continue to deliver the peace and prosperity that our heroic people so richly deserve.

 As UNESCO also places this landscape on the List of World Heritage in Danger to mobilize urgent global support against poaching, habitat degradation, and climate pressures, we call upon all South Sudanese to safeguard this land just as it once protected us. Let the SPLM and every citizen of South Sudan proudly own this day, honoring our history as we share our paradise with the world.