The Speaker of the National Parliament, Joseph Ngere Paciko, has called for the preservation of indigenous names, warning that foreign names are increasingly replacing traditional ones.

Speaking during an event in Juba over the weekend, Ngere said many South Sudanese now place indigenous names last or do not give them at all, describing the trend as a sign that culture is fading.

“Our culture is fading. I am sure if you ask for your names here, you often find that indigenous names are placed last, or not given at all. Indigenous names are disappearing,” Ngere said.

“Here in South Sudan, we import almost everything from outside, even our names. I do not know what the problem is, where this trend is coming from,” he added.

Indigenous names are traditional names rooted in a community’s culture, language, and heritage, often carrying meanings linked to identity, values, history, and beliefs.