Residents of Bentiu in South Sudan’s Unity Region say they are committed to disseminating the recently-signed peace agreement to help the people on the ground understand the peace process.

This pledge was made by a group that participated in a training workshop on the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the agreement on cessation of hostilities, organized by the Mission’s Communications and Public Information Section in Bentiu.

“We will disseminate the peace agreement to our people so that they will own the agreement,” said Riak Bur, one of the area chiefs who participated in the training. 

“Those who are creating fear and insecurity in the areas are those who are with us in the payams, bomas and counties,” Riak went on, appealing for more sensitization forums in the counties.

Nyakuoth Tut, a female participant, targeted women and the youth in her appeal:

 “There is need for youth leaders and women groups to engage youth in the villages. We are committed to engage our youth to give peace a chance,” she said.

Ms. Tut appealed for more support from the international community to facilitate the dissemination of the peace agreement.

Speaking during the opening of the workshop, Northern Liech state Acting Governor Laraka Machar appealed to the parties to implement the peace agreement so that the displaced people can return to their homes.

 “I call upon all stakeholders in this peace agreement to abide by what they have signed; to respect the dignity of our people; to respect the need for peace and the need for resettlement of our people, so that our people can come back to their communities,” said Laraka Machar.

Acting Head of the UNMISS Field Office in Bentiu, Norbert Niyodusenga, pledged the Mission’s commitment to support the people of South Sudan toward achieving peace in the country. 

 “We are partners for a very long time, we have been working together and we continue working together looking for durable peace for the people of South Sudan,” he said, adding, “The United Nations Mission in South Sudan is working with the people of South Sudan to achieve the durable peace.”

The Mission’s Communications and Public Information Section organizes regular workshops to communicate useful messages related to the peace process, to improve the understanding of the Mission’s mandate among the public, and to help people understand the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

The recent workshop brought together more than 60 participants, including local authorities, Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) military commanders, organized forces, state ministers, parliamentarians, church leaders, youth leaders, women leaders, traditional leaders and civil society organizations.