More than 30 youths from Bentiu, Rubkhona and the Bentiu Protection of Civilians (PoC) site participated in an UNMISS-led workshop on how to foster inter-communal dialogue, unity and reconciliation.  They are now set to become ambassadors of peace in their communities.

Speaking during the closing session of the workshop, the Team Leader of the Bentiu Civil Affairs Division (CAD), Ms. Anastasie Nyirigira expressed her hope that the workshop has contributed to a sense of unity.

“What is very interesting is that now you think as one youth, one youth of Unity and one youth of South Sudan. If you continue to work together I am sure you can reach far”, she said.

She added that the participating youths will now replicate what traditional leaders, exposed to similar workshops, have done.

“Now they (traditional leaders) do talk to each other without needing Civil Affairs to bring them together. It’s the same we are expecting from the youth, that all youth get together to work for peace, because this is your country and you have to work hard for it”, Ms. Nyirigira said.

Mr. Gabriel Chuel, State Youth Chairperson in the PoC site, was happy with the workshop.

“We have exchanged our ideas and came up with a resolution that anything is possible, that youth has a say in this country. The country is for the youth, so as young people we are able to stop this war”.

Mr. Zoal Riak, Youth Secretary General in Bentiu, echoed Mr. Chuel’s sentiments.

“It is our task as youth to start the process of reconciliation and action plans. We will start our activities for peace and reconciliation in Bentiu in the coming week. We are very committed to our plan, which also gives us more opportunities to interact with one another”.