Prominent member of the Jieng Council of Elders commended the government forces for ensuring Christmas and New Year celebrations were conducted in an environment free of hostilities.

This year's security phenomenon was completely different from the three years past: 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, Aldo Ajou Deng Akuei said.  He admitted for consecutive four years, South Sudan did not celebrate Christmas, New Year’s or independent anniversaries.

“The newly born country was soaked in blood, untimely death of the young, women and the elderly. The country recorded unprecedented exodus of its citizens into the neighbouring states and more still internally displaced from one zone to another in hundreds of thousands. Many more were/are caught up in a continuous lack of food and other social essential services. In terms of public security, Juba has reclaimed its peace and tranquility. The demons' guns are silenced”, he explained.

The leading member of the self-appointed tribal group said  guns have quietened because the Transitional Government of National Unity, TGoNU, has collectively and effectively embarked on implementing the "IGAD tailored" Agreement for Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan, ARCSS.

“Clearly, the SPLM and SPLM IO have overcome the foreseen difficulties that might obstruct the smooth implementation of the agreement. They have agreed to compose one national army, agreed on number of states (32 states) and agreed to co-operate with the UNSC, AU and other friendly countries”, he notes.

Ajou said the unity government requires from henceforth a complete cessation of hostilities and violence which allegedly express tribal hatred and domestic arms banditry. The cessation of violence, he stressed, will mean the return of the displaced citizens to their homes to resume their normal lives. And this will strengthen the national reconciliation and dialogue as directed by the President of the Republic, Salva Kiir Mayardit and the Transitional National Legislature.