South Sudanese president Salva Kiir has called for reconciliation among fractured communities in his Christmas message on Monday.
Kiir, who will remain president for three years as per the September peace deal, said:” As your leader, I am calling for reconciliation among the people of South Sudan. We must return to each other and we must take full measures to overcome fears of seeking forgiveness.”
The president further said Christmas is a great time to fix feuds and forgive. “We must seek healing deep down our hearts and our wounds cannot heal until we are forgiven and reconciled,” he said.
He pointed out that the leaders of South Sudan are currently working to reconcile the nation. “We have signed a revitalized peace agreement which we are implementing diligently. We have taken extraordinary measures to forgive each other,” he said.
Kiir noted that the peace ceremony in October was a good gesture for reconciliation in the country. He added that the peace agreement signed with opposition groups marks the end of over four years of conflict.
“I call upon all of you fellow citizens to stand with me, with your government and with your country, as we drive together to restore peace and stability in our country,” he said.