They came before dawn.

Arriving in Freedom Square in the murky pre-morning light, hundreds of athletes stretched their legs and jogged on the spot as they prepared to challenge themselves and each other in a 10-kilometre race around the streets of South Sudan’s capital city.

A large section of boda-boda motorcyclists and security officials in Yei River area have resolved to end hatred and mistrust between them to foster peaceful coexistence and build social cohesion.

It’s been years since the pitter-patter of little feet have been heard at the SOS Children’s Village in Malakal town. There are no giggling children swinging on the playground. What used to be a place of joy now lies desolate.