The former political detainees, who also describe themselves as SPLM leaders group, said ending the ongoing war in the country would be the best honour to martyrs of the liberation struggle for South Sudan independence.
SPLM-FDs is a faction made up of senior party officials who were detained when the conflict began in December 2013.
The group, according to a statement on the occasion marking the 12th anniversary of the martyrs’ day, regretted commemorating the day yet the country was still at war.
“There is no greater honour or homage we can pay in memory of our martyrs, heroes and heroines, no better recognition we can give for the ultimate sacrifices they paid for our freedom than to end this war without any further,” the group said in the statement dated July 30.
It called on the government and armed opposition groups to declare and honour ceasefire, pointing out that observing permanent ceasefire by warring parties would be an opportunity for a genuine dialogue.
“We therefore appeal to the government of South Sudan and its various security agents, and to all armed formations opposing the government to agree on immediate and comprehensive ceasefire to give our citizens respite while engagement to end war is conducted,” adds the statement.
The political leaders urged peace loving South Sudanese, friends of South Sudan, the region and international community at large, to work for peace, urge and pressure the warring parties to make peace.
“We underline once more that in our view, there is no better honour we can give our war heroes and heroines on this anniversary of martyrs’ day than end senseless war,” the statement reads.