South Sudan’s second largest city, Malakal, held a peace celebration in scenes reminiscent of the atmosphere when the young country became a republic seven years ago. The celebration was a culmination of a series of engagements between uniformed and civilian leaders from across the divide.

Senior members of the Islamic Council and Christian faith-based institutions in Yei have ended a three-day workshop with a call for an end to hate speech and religious division.

“The children in this place are our own. They are our brothers and sisters, we will not put them in harm’s way.”