UNMISS DSRSG on International Day of Peace: “We must have renewed hope”

UNMISS DSRSG on International Day of Peace: “We must have renewed hope”

UNMISS DSRSG on International Day of Peace: “We must have renewed hope”

21 Sep 2016

UNMISS DSRSG on International Day of Peace: “We must have renewed hope”

Filip Andersson

Moustapha Soumare, UNMISS’ Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, today delivered a message of the need for new hope for South Sudan.

 

Speaking at the Nyakuron Cultural Center at an event to commemorate the International Day of Peace, Mr. Soumare looked both backwards and forward, and emphasized the need for hope when looking ahead.

 

UNMISS DSRSG on International Day of Peace: “We must have renewed hope”

 

“On International Day of Peace (21 September) we must have renewed hope that South Sudan can turn a new page and achieve a lasting peace. The people of South Sudan have suffered far too long, and they deserve nothing less (than peace)”, declared the Mission’s DSRSG.

 

Mr. Soumare had his reasons for appealing for new hope in the conflict-ridden country, not least the recent fighting in the capital Juba and beyond, which he, on behalf of the UN, vehemently condemned.

 

“The renewed fighting that took place here in Juba this past July was a grievous setback, one which resulted in loss of lives and forced scores of civilians to flee their homes. The United Nations condemns in the strongest terms this resurgence of violence in the capital, and across other areas of the country”, he said.

 

 

The International Day of Peace, sometimes unofficially known as World Peace Day, has been observed annually since 1982. It is dedicated to world peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence. The international theme for the day is “The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace”. In South Sudan, the day is being observed under the theme “Together we can Heal the Nation”.