South Sudanese civilians peacefully protested in Juba today against the war today under the theme, “Violence Never Gains.”
The procession began at Buluk football field and continued to Ministries Road, ending with speeches from various peace activists.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), demanded that mediators from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) stop conducting consultations and start acting for peace at their upcoming heads of states summit.
“Enough is enough,” he said. “You are our regional institution, and we will hold you accountable if you don’t really push quickly for the warring parties to come for peace.”
Edmund further underscored that the peace march is independent and is not backed by any political side.
“Walk for peace is the program which has no support to any political side within the contact of conflicting sides in the country,” he said. “We are sending strong messages to the warring parties and their leadership that we are tired of war.”
Peter Longole Kuam, Chairperson of Peace and Reconciliation Committee, said that South Sudan lost tens of thousands of people to gain the independence from Khartoum and it is time for the killing for power to stop.
“I know as we have witnessed the whole population of South Sudan are for peace, we should protest this message to all ten states of South Sudan,” Longole said.
Tobias Atari Okori, Acting Director General of the South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission, commended the civilians who took to the streets against the war.
“By walking on the street peacefully demanding for peace to return in this country, you are playing a role in peace building in this country,” he said.
On her part, Amina Francis, a student ambassador for peace from Juba Day Secondary School, said that enough innocent blood of the South Sudanese has been shed. She said building a safe place peace it is the responsibility of all people in country.
“We need peace now. The people deserved durable and sustainable peace,” Amina said.
Radio Tamazuj Photo: South Sudanese civilians Walk for Peace in Juba 4 November 2014.