The South Sudan Council of Churches on Saturday urged the political leaders to embrace peace and unity.
Speaking to journalists at a press conference to mark the International Day of Peace in Juba, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan, the Rt Rev James Makuei Chuol, called on the political leaders to work with the citizens to build, drive and sustain peace.
“As we look forward to a new dawn for our nation, the International Day of Peace encourages all leaders and citizens to embrace peace as a cornerstone for the wellbeing of the South Sudanese,” Makuei said.
He expressed concern about the ongoing violence and the inter-ethnic conflicts that threaten the people’s dreams for a peaceful South Sudan.
Bishop James Alexander Legos of the Africa Inland Church urged the political leaders to enact citizen-driven laws, which reflect the voice of all South Sudanese.
Legos also urged the government to stabilize the economy in order to create jobs and alleviate poverty.
“We welcome the decision of the government to continue dialogue with the holdout groups who did not sign the R-ARCSS to embrace compromise and prioritize peace for the sake of our people,” he said.
The International Peace Day is celebrated annually on September 21.
The theme for this year’s celebration is; “Cultivating a Culture of Peace”.