Traditional chiefs representing the different ethnic groups in the country have made a rallied call for peace in South Sudan.

“Once tribes are united, peace will prevail,” said Deng Macham, head of the South Sudan Council of Chiefs. 

The traditional leaders made the comments in a meeting with officials of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Civil Affairs and Political Affairs Divisions. 

The UNMISS Director of Civil Affairs , Guang Cong, reassured the chiefs that the mission will continue to support peace and reconciliation initiatives.

“We will support the functioning of the commission for truth, reconciliation and healing,” he said, adding that support will also continue in the areas of “localized reconciliation initiatives,” regarding inter-communal conflict at sub-national level.

Cuong said the mission is committed to building the capacity of the traditional leaders and Members of Parliament to promote peace and reconciliation. 

Seth Kumi, head of the UNMISS Political Affairs Division, encouraged the chiefs to work collectively in the interest of peace. 

“We are going to work with all the chiefs to bring unity and peace to South Sudan,” Mr. Kumi said, calling the traditional leaders the “embodiment” of African peace and civilization. 

Kumi said UNMISS would work with the chiefs to bring South Sudanese together to move the country forward to achieve sustainable peace.       

The chiefs reaffirmed that they are committed to engaging actively to heal divisions and unify the country. 

“We came to speak the language of peace with the UN,” said chief Mary Nyathiel, who invited chiefs at the different UN Protection of Civilian sites to join their cause.

The meeting was held at the request of the traditional leaders.