UNMISS Unity State Coordinator urged churches in South Sudan to continue the important role they have been playing to promote peace and reconciliation in the country.

Speaking at a Christmas Day mass in the Protection of Civilians (PoC) site in Bentiu, the Unity State Coordinator Ms. Mary Cummins commended the work the churches have done both inside and outside of the PoC site to promote peace. She further called on church leaders and the faithful to continue to promote peace and encourage all people to live in peace and harmony with each other.

The State Coordinator said she hoped that all internally displaced people will be able to celebrate next Christmas in their towns and villages and stated that the mission will do its best to ensure that they can voluntarily return to their localities. 

The peace agreement signed in August called for an end to the violence and for a dedicated effort to reconstruct the country. “Future generations of South Sudanese will regard this agreement as historic if everyone joins together now to implement the words written on the document,” Mary Cummins said.

On Christmas afternoon, Mongolian and Ghanaian peacekeepers organized outdoor games for some 200 children living in Bentiu PoC. The children were entertained by taking part in various competitions and dancing to music played by the peacekeepers. The peacekeepers also provide the children with lunch and gave out Christmas presents.