A new church, Dolieb Hill, has been built inside the UNMISS Protection of Civilians (PoC) site in Malakal. The Presbyterian Church welcomed more than a thousand Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at its official launch. The church activities will be focused on promoting peace and dissuading members of various communities in the PoC site from engaging in harmful and hostile practices.

Several faith-based groups within the Malakal PoC site came together on Monday 8 August to attend the inauguration of the newly constructed Dolieb Hill Church.

The priest in charge of the opening ceremony, Lwanyo Kur Papiti, stressed the necessity of living together in harmony as part of the obligations of faith-based groups, particularly under the currently trying circumstances that have torn many families apart.

“This is the heart of our mission, to mobilize people for peace. What is happening here today is a symbol of tranquility among the communities as various members have gathered here to encourage this activity. It will result in thriving relationships among ourselves”, said Lwanyo Kur Papiti.

UNMISS staff in Malakal praised the construction of the new church and the objective of its activities to come.

“This is a good initiative from the community in order to consolidate peace and harmony as part of our role as the world’s body here in the country”, said Civil Affairs Officer Joan Scott-Manga.