14 August 2015 - Hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) joined a peaceful march today through the Protection of Civilians site in Malakal, Upper Nile State, to support the Addis Ababa peace process.

Hailing from different ethnic groups, the IDPs called for lasting peace between the two warring parties in South Sudan.

Women urged both sides of the conflict to accept the peace deal for the sake of country stability. “Peace must come now. We are tired of war and destruction,” said women’s representative Rachel Mayik.

IDP Peace and Security Council Chairman Mathew Chol called on the UN, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and international community to intervene for the sake of peace.

“We gathered this morning as different tribes within the camp to represent our petition in regards to the peace deal, which is taking place in the Ethiopian capital,” Mr. Chol said, handing over a petition containing this message to UNMISS State Coordinator Isiaka Adesola Abolurin.

“Peace should prevail by all costs this time,” he said. “We the victims of this war here strongly appeal to the international community, UN and mediators of peace IGAD to assist in achieving lasting peace in the country. We are tired of displacement and war. We want to enjoy our lives once again in our homes as soon as possible.”

Upper Nile State Coordinator Isiaka Adesola Abolurin lauded the peaceful, multi-ethnic march, calling for more harmony between communities in the camp.

“As the United Nations, our commitment is to protect every one of you, regardless of your ethnic differences,” Mr. Adesola said. “I appreciate your coming together as one people and calling for peace. That is the cornerstone for your stability as a young nation.”

The UNMISS Malakal base is currently hosting more than 45,000 IDPs, mainly from Malakal and areas around.