Residents in South Sudan’s Yei town have been told to celebrate Christmas in peace with one another.

Kenyi Elisa John, the headmen of Hai Peace residential area, said although festive seasons are usually celebrated in peace, some people tend to cause chaos both in the urban and rural areas.

“Big days like Christmas and New Year are always good but also bad, therefore I am asking the people to unite and be in peace with one another. Le the Christmas and New Year days not be for causing troubles and let the year come for peace and development” 

For his part, Bishop Hillary Luate Adeba of the Episcopal Diocese of Yei, urged residents to use the Christmas season for reconciliation and peacebuilding with one another. 

Adeba also called on the transitional government and the warring parties to reconcile and work for lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.

“We pray as a church that may the good Lord touch the hearts of our people and our leaders come together and form a final unity government and stop the war and the leaders need to come together and give the South Sudanese a lasting peace so that our people who are displaced can return home,” he said. 

Amule Felix, the secretary-general for the defunct Yei River State, urged all communities in and outside Yei town to promote peace and reconciliation.

“As we look forward to celebrating Christmas in Yei, I believe that we celebrate this season in peace, love, and joy and it is a moment for us to forgive and reconcile with one another and forget the past,” Amule said.