Hundreds of citizens gathered at Yambio Freedom Square on Tuesday (20 November) to partake in a cultural gala, organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in partnership with local stakeholders.

“This is a peace party! I’m very happy to be part of the event, because people are really yearning for peace,” said Lucia Ajut, a vocalist representing the Shilluk community.

The festivities brought together nine ethnic groups residing in Yambio. With the objective of promoting unity and harmonious coexistence, the multifaceted group of participants showcased songs, dances, poetry and drama, with the crowd enjoying the happy ambience and mixed soundtrack produced by whistles, vuvuzelas, drums and xylophones.

Daniel Aluak Luak, for one, relished the peaceful yet robust tunes.

“We don’t want to hear gunshots. We are tired of war and are here to express our joy and to promote unity. I would like to request our governor to call those who are still in the bush to join the revitalized peace agreement,” the dancer of traditional Dinka music said.

Stella Abayomi, team leader of the UNMISS Civil Affairs Division staff in Western Equatoria and the chief organizer of the gala, was happy to see the motley lot gathered at the Freedom Square.

“People here and in South Sudan in general must begin to see their diversity as a strength, to celebrate unity in diversity,” she commented.

Governor Daniel Badagbu was swept away by the infectious joyous mood as well.

Today we are showing the consolidation of peace, we are showing the identity of South Sudanese people. Today we are saying no to tribalism. We are saying no to war, we are saying yes to peace. We are embracing reconciliation, we are embracing unity, we are embracing being together, we are embracing forgiveness.”

The mega culture-embracing occasion was organized with the support of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports and the Young Women Christian Association. It was preceded by a one-day workshop promoting the construction of national identity.