Communities in South Sudan’s Yei River State have embarked on cultural activities to promote unity and reconciliation.
On Saturday, Reconciliation International, a local non-governmental organization, organized a one-day cultural gala in collaboration with the state information ministry under the theme, “Truth, Justice and Forgiveness for Peace and Reconciliation”.
Sebastian Landi Paul, a cultural dancer, told Radio Tamazuj embracing cultural diversity promotes peace, unity and reconciliation.
“We are very rich with different cultures and we need to promote our cultures to live in peace and reconcile. We don’t want war. We want peace and acceptance, regardless of our cultures”, he said.
On his part, the state information minister, Mawa Moses lauded Reconciliation International for organizing the gala that brought the different communities at Yei Freedom Square.
Mawa said his ministry will closely work with all partners supporting peaceful co-existence through activities such as cultural dances.
“The overall goal for all of us is peace and reconciliation among ourselves, through cultural gala. There is nothing better than peace. As we celebrate this cultural gala, we are sending a message to the world that we are for peace through our cultural diversity,” he said.
The official said his ministry is working together with all partners to organize monthly cultural events to unite elders with the young generation.
“Once we do this on a monthly basis, we are transferring our cultures to the young generation so that they learn and live in peace with one another,” he stressed.
One of the areas badly affected by South Sudan’s civil war, Yei has witnessed human rights violations and massive displacement since 2016.