In a bid to promote peace and unity in South Sudan, a gathering of over 500 people was held in Freedom Square, Terekeka County. The outreach event, organized in collaboration between the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the African Theological Leadership School, and the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Peacebuilding, aimed to reaffirm the commitment to peace ahead of the scheduled elections in December 2024.
The event, targeting community leaders and citizens, emphasized the need for South Sudanese people to come together and work towards building peace and prosperity in the war-torn nation. Laurence Musoke Samuel, the Director General for the state’s Ministry of Peacebuilding, highlighted the importance of individual responsibility in fostering peace. He stated, “Our families are vital to fostering peace at the community, county, state, and national levels. It begins with each one of us, and it is in our homes that we should pass on the values of social cohesion and unity.”
An essential aspect of the event was the recognition of women’s role in peacebuilding. Hellen Kaku Kula, a local women’s leader, stressed the necessity of inclusivity and women’s involvement in the peace process. She stated, “Women are the first line of educators in every society because everything starts at home. It is a necessity that we are all involved in the peace process. The plans that the political leadership has for our country must be aligned with the expectations of its grassroots.”
During the gathering, the UN peacekeeping mission, UNMISS, also reminded attendees of its mandate in the country. The mission’s mandate, renewed in 2023 until March 15, 2024, is primarily focused on preventing a return to civil war, building durable peace, and supporting accountable governance. It is worth noting that since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has suffered from a devastating civil war that claimed the lives of 400,000 people and displaced a third of the country’s population. The conflict finally came to an end in 2018 with a peace deal between President Salva Kiir and rebel factions led by Riek Machar.
The gathering in Freedom Square served as a poignant reminder of the importance of unity and collaboration in South Sudan’s journey towards lasting peace. With the upcoming elections scheduled for December 2024, the event aimed to strengthen the commitment to peaceful democratic processes and ensure that the expectations of the citizens are met by political leaders.
The international community, represented by UNMISS, continues to play a critical role in supporting South Sudan’s transition from conflict to stability. By emphasizing the significance of women in peacebuilding and reminding attendees of their mandate, UNMISS seeks to pave the way for a brighter future for the South Sudanese people.
As the country gears up for elections, it is crucial that all stakeholders remain dedicated to peaceful dialogue and inclusive decision-making processes. The event held in Terekeka County serves as a powerful symbol of the collective determination to build a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan, where the voices of all citizens are heard, and their aspirations are realized.
Image Credit: UNMISS
