South Sudan’s Vice President James Wani Igga on Wednesday reiterated the government’s commitment to bringing lasting peace and stability through the Kenyan government-mediated Tumaini Initiative in the New Year.
Wani made the remarks while addressing the Catholic congregation at Saint Theresa’s Cathedral in Kator on Wednesday during the New Year mass.
“I would like to underline that your government is determined to reach a peaceful agreement with them [opposition] through the Tumaini Initiative because fighting ourselves will only destroy the country and will only lose property and lives,” he said. “We have had enough wars already and we have gotten the country, so, all these other problems we have can be discussed. We have to address this Tumaini Initiative with determination.”
Wani added: “If we South Sudanese cannot adopt the spirit of peaceful co-existence despite our diversity, we will be scattered like insects whose bush was burnt by fire. So we need peace.”
The vice president also hailed the armed forces for providing security across the country during the festive season which was celebrated peacefully.
“Christmas and New Year Eve’s went peacefully without disturbance in terms of security, and I commend our organized forces for having maintained the security within these two important days of God,” he stated.
Wani donated SSP 2 million to the St. Theresa Cathedral Choir for the joyful songs they sang.
“I want to thank and congratulate our choir because they normally do not make us go home angry. I have a small gift of 2 million pounds for you which you will be given after the mass,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Mulla who officiated the mass said that 1 January is a day for propagating peace across the nation.
“This is the day for spreading messages of love, forgiveness, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence,” he said
The cardinal said South Sudan’s path to peace is still rough with so many peace agreements not fully implemented since 2005. He called for the successful conclusion of the Tumaini peace process.
“So many agreements have been violated and not implemented in this country. The CPA has not been fully implemented, the revitalized agreement has also not been implemented and the Tumaini Initiative is also the same,” he said. “I urge you to agree with your brothers and sisters through the Tumaini Initiative and bring lasting peace.”