10 June 2015 - Seeking to end ongoing conflict in South Sudan, displaced women from various churches today organized a special prayer for peace at the Protection of Civilians (PoC) site in Malakal, Upper Nile State.

Organizer Elizabeth Bukech Ayoker said the prayer was a cry to God and warring parties for peace in the country.

“We have decided to organize a special prayer for peace and we believe it will prevail,” she said. “But we are also sending a message to all our leaders from both sides to bring everlasting peace to this house, which is torn and divided by war.”

Women at the Malakal PoC had been regularly preaching to PoC communities, Ms. Ayoker said. “Our aim is to break down all barriers between communities … by preaching the importance of living in peace and harmony inside the PoCs.”

Participant Treza Nyagak Awak said people of different religions should come together at this crucial time. “It is high time for people … to join hands and hearts and pray for peace and stability in this land. This should be our priority for now.”

The prayer was attended by about 500 people from different ethnic groups in the PoC. These include Dinka, Nuer, Collo, Maban, Anyauk, Koma, Anyuak as well as Equatorians.

UNMISS Malakal is currently hosting more than 30,000 displaced persons, mainly from Malakal town and surrounding areas.