The commissioner of Ezo County in Western Equatoria State has urged armed forces and civilians to coexist for sustainable peace in the area.
Abel Sudani made the call on Sunday during the final game of the inter-payam football tournament organized in Ezo to bring youth together for peace. He urged the youth and spectators who turned up to be champions of peace.
“We want our county to be the first in South Sudan in terms of peace, unity, love, and bringing people together,” he said. “This gathering is for the people to be united. Soldiers and civilians should coexist and live in harmony.”
“During the liberation struggle, civilians were the very ones shipping food for the soldiers at the battle frontlines for our independence,” Commissioner Sudani added.
For her part, Anita Gamu who represents Ezo County in the national parliament and who organized the peace football tournament, congratulated the people of Ezo for embracing sports activities which she said reflected peaceful coexistence.
“Congratulations to all of you for having stood with your commissioner because the people of Ezo are now enjoying peace,” she said. “We as sons and daughters of Ezo County will continue to stand with you.”
Government officials, organized forces, civilians, and football players marched through Ezo town to freedom square where the final game was played.
Yangiri Payam won the peace football tournament after beating Ezo Central Payam.