UNITY/RUWENG - As tensions persist between Unity State and the Ruweng Administrative Area over cattle raiding, retaliatory attacks and border disputes, the nationwide “Hear Us. Act Now” campaign is providing an important platform for dialogue, bringing communities together to promote reconciliation and peace.
By amplifying the voices of youth, women, civil society and political leaders, the campaign sponsored by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan is encouraging collective action to break cycles of violence and foster lasting peace.
Young people took center stage at a special campaign event in Pariang, reaffirming their role as agents of positive change.
“We are the future of this country,” said Puot Kuol, Unity State Youth Forum Chairperson, urging leaders to prioritize peace and to listen to young people's concerns and aspirations.
Nyanger Kuong, the Chairperson of the Bentiu camp for displaced communities, said the campaign creates an important opportunity for communities to engage directly with decision-makers.
“It gives us, the people, a platform to call upon leaders to build a peaceful environment for development and the delivery of essential services to every South Sudanese.”
Government representatives from Unity State and the Ruweng Administrative Area stressed the longstanding bonds between the two communities.
“We are one blood, brothers and sisters, and we want peace to reign among us,” explained the Ruweng Minister of Labour and Public Service, Santo Luel Mayol.
Unity State Deputy Governor William Gatjang Gieng urged young people to reject violence and become ambassadors for peace while Ruweng Peace Commission Chairperson, Bolis Bol Akuong, stressed the importance of unity as the cornerstone of peaceful coexistence.
“Mutual respect is the foundation of healthy relationships between families and states alike.”
Head of the UNMISS Bentiu Field Office, Sam Muhumure, stressed that sustainable peace depends on the meaningful participation and leadership of young people and women. He encouraged communities to lead reconciliation efforts and assured them of continued UNMISS support.
“Women of Ruweng can engage with women in Unity, and young people can begin discussing peace while waiting for government leaders to step in. UNMISS will continue to support these initiatives.”
Kiir Juach of the Civil Society Network in Ruweng said efforts are already underway to strengthen engagement with counterparts in Unity State through dialogue aimed at ending recurring disputes.
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By Matiisetso Mosala
