E. Equatoria’s SPLM youth league hold peace rally

By Ijoo Bosco

May 10, 2014 (TORIT) – The youth league of South Sudan’s ruling party (SPLM) in Eastern Equatoria state has held a peace really in Torit under the theme ‘Kick war out of South Sudan’, calling on the state’s community to reject the violence that has effected much of the country over the past five months.

Following the previous day’s peace deal between president Salva Kiir and his former deputy, Riek Machar ,who has been leading a rebellion since December, the SPLM-Youth League hailed the national government for its efforts to end the conflict.

John Koma, the Eastern Equatoria state chairperson of the SPLM-Youth League, said the country is yearning for peace but must learn to live together as one people.

He urged the country’s politicians to act selflessly and govern by the power of the people not by the gun.

The SPLM-Youth League leader said South Sudan has been too often been marked by conflict and debilitating poverty.

The Eastern Equatoria state SPLM-Youth League president, Epone Lolimo, called on the state community to join hands in eradicating illiteracy, cattle raiding, tribalism and corruption.

Lolimo also appealed for a change in mentality amongst South Sudan’s politicians in the country in order for them to join hands and stop the civil war.

The SPLM-Youth League rally included bicycle races, traditional dress and other competitions.

The day concluded with a football match between Malakiah and Young Stars football clubs, which Young Stars won four-five in a penalty shoot out.

(ST)