WESTERN BAHR EL GHAZAL – With South Sudan and many of its citizens still healing, reeling and recovering from physical and emotional scars resulting from years of armed conflict, faith-based groups have an important role to play.

When representatives from several different congregations got together in Wau to demonstrate unity within diversity by participating in a one-kilometer-long procession through town, they reiterated their commitment to peace and reconciliation.

“We may be using different channels, but we are first and foremost united by being South Sudanese and by embracing peace,” declared Sheikh Ismael Turki, Imam of Wau’s High Mosque.

Proof of the potential of faith-based groups to be game changers was the fact that more than 1,500 people joined the procession, with many of them holding banners with slogans pleading for forgiveness and restored harmony between communities.

Women and men of a religious persuasion, they agreed, have more than spiritual guidance to offer. Leaders of faith-based groups can also use their significant influence to engage with government officials, the international community and other earthly powers to advocate for the peace process to progress and be inclusive, and for those in need to be protected.

“Reconciliation is the only long-term process through which the parties to a violent dispute can build trust,” affirmed Mathew Remijo, representing the Catholic Diocese. “In the Church, we do not have ethnic considerations or a political agenda. Instead, we stand by the people, and the people need peace.”

Emmanuel Primo Ukello, newly appointed Governor of Western Bahr El Ghazal State, is keen on harnessing the transformational potential of faith-based groups.

“We are currently pondering how to best engage leaders of congregations to address issues related to gang violence and other troubling behaviour of our youth,” he said.

The inter-religious peace engagement activity, held under the theme “Building a better future together”, was organized by the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare in Western Bahr El Ghazal state, supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

“Faith-based leaders are definitely a source of potential change, not least by promoting inclusivity and impartiality. We encourage them to continue providing wise counsel to the entire population, also political leaders and uniformed personnel,” said Sam Muhumure, Head of the peacekeeping mission’s Field Office in Wau.