More than 300 people including government officials, civil society activists, and members of different traditional groups assembled in Aweil on Tuesday to promote peace through the celebration of local cultures.

The cultural event dubbed 'I am South Sudanese', which is the first one since the outbreak of the Coronavirus, was aimed at sensitizing all South Sudanese communities to embrace peace and peaceful coexistence and denounce tribalism.

Bulis Nugak, a representative of Aweil Civic Engagement Center, the organizing body, said the initiated the cultural day to promote peaceful coexistence among local communities.

"Our aim for this program is to bring together different sections and communities and this symbolizes building of unity,’’ he told Radio Tamazuj.

Adam Deng Dau, a participant at the event hailed the organizers for promoting patriotism through the 'I am South Sudanese' slogan.

“The cultural day has many shows on things that happen in our country and the presented shows echoed what is happening in our nation,’’ said a delighted Deng.

Another participant, Deng Garang Kuc, said the promotion of one identity requires efforts from all citizens. 

“It is a very good initiative to embrace one identity, South Sudanese. But it needs people to work hard because people fight over minor issues," he underlined. 

Naivasha residential area chief Kuac Wol Abiem said such events unite the people and promote a common understanding of local cultures. 

“The participation was good, people were so glad about what they saw. We remember our forefathers and how they handled their families and conflict," Kuac elaborated.  

The project was implemented by the Aweil Civic Engagement Center supported by the United States Agency for International Development through Democracy International’s SUCCESS project.