11 February 2014 - A top South Sudanese official has called on youth to involve themselves in reconciliation efforts in the conflict-torn country, according to UN Radio Miraya.

During a youth rally at Nyakuron Cultural Centre in Juba on 8 February, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Nadia Arop Dudi said the contribution of youth was important for peace and development.

“We need the youth to contribute in the reconciliation and peace building and unity among the people of South Sudan,” the minister said. “If we are not united as one action, one people, we cannot succeed to reconcile ourselves. Reconciliation is a hard work and a long process.”

Meanwhile, National Youth Crisis Management Committee Chairperson Flora Lukudu told Radio Miraya peace building was a main priority of youth.

“Peace building and unity is one of first priorities,” she said. “As youth in this we strive to participate in peace building in our community, (have) rue respect for one another and accept one another, despite of our differences, and live together as one people.”

The Ministry of Youth last month formed a Youth Crisis Management Subcommittee, mainly tasked with reconciliation and mobilizing support for people affected by the crisis. The committee has so far reached out to youth in Egypt.