Mundari communities come together in peace at Cultural Festival in Terekeka

CENTRAL EQUATORIA - Mundari communities are renowned for their pastoral lifestyle, where cattle are revered as currency, status symbols and a source of identity.

While a source of wealth and wellbeing, these precious creatures have also been the cause of a long history of violent clashes, over access to scarce land and resources. With pressure increasing due to a surge in politically driven conflict and climate shocks, the need to promote unity between these communities is more important than ever.

For several years, the groups have gathered from across Central Equatoria in Terekeka for a special annual festival that celebrates their diverse cultural traditions while promoting a shared identity. This year’s event was dedicated to fostering social cohesion.

“I am so proud today as well celebrate a significant moment for all South Sudanese. The gathering of 64 tribes in Terekeka showcases our strength, unity, and commitment to peace in our country,” explained Betty Apiu Gajuk Kornyang at the event.

Joined by other ethnic groups, including Shilluk and Nuer, the festival showcased South Sudan’s rich diversity with performances of traditional music, dance, storytelling, food, art and sports, including a robust bout of wrestling.

“Peace is not only written in agreements or discussed in conference rooms. Peace is also sung, danced, taught, and practiced in communities,” said Graham Maitland, the Officer in Charge of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, which is supporting the event. “Peace belongs to you. Our role is to walk with you to support and protect peace.”

The event was a kind of “living museum” where traditional practices were showcased to ensure their continuity for future generations. It celebrated the enduring spirit of the Mundari people while promoting peace as well as business opportunities and development.

“Culture brings communities together,” said Siham Jamal, a youth leader from Kapoeta. “I'm 100% sure that one of the problems we face is because we lack the cultural centers where people can gather and see each other as brothers and sisters and as united rather than divided.”

The focus was on how to establish heritage preservation programs to ensure continued cultural conservation while also exploring potential tourism opportunities that would benefit all residents.

“This land carries stories older than any institution - stories preserved through song, dance, language, and ceremony,” said Mr Maitland. “By coming together, this community has made a powerful statement, a choice for peace over violence, unity over division, and hope over fear.”
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By Francesca Mold