Rumbek celebrates International Peace Day
September 21, 2011 (RUMBEK) – Around 5,000 people celebrated International Peace Day in Rumbek’s freedom square in Lakes state on Wednesday. The celebration was jointly organized by United Nation Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and state government.
Those who attended included the general public, students, members of the security forces, Kenyan Battalions of UNMISS and community leaders.
Lakes state’s advisor for Human Right and Gender Affairs, Adak Costa Mapuor called upon citizens to remember the years of struggle and searching for the freedom of the people of South Sudan.
Mapuor said that South Sudan, which became independent in July, is a nation that respects peace. She appealed to people of Lakes state to work to build peace after decades of war with North Sudan.
For the last six years, until July’s independence declaration, South Sudan was self-ruling as part of a 2005 peace deal. Despite the end of the conflict with Khartoum, South Sudan has suffered from internal rebellions, banditry, cattle raiding, revenge attacks and the presence of Uganda rebel movement the LRA in the south of the country, all contributing to insecurity and the death, injury and displacement of many people.
Lakes state has been one of the worst effected states in terms cattle raiding, banditry and revenge attacks. A disarmament campaign is currently taking place in the hope that this will reduce the violence.
The government advisor asked citizens to put their energy into developing the state and not be idle.
Mapuor said: “As we are gathering here today to add our voice to the celebration of the International Peace Day, we demonstrate our commitment and concern about the global peace because we are not longer a subordinate nation but we are free nation of the Republic of South Sudan.
“This was not by chance but through long the struggle of our people which had cause them and it has cost us [an estimated two] million lives, displacement and all kinds of suffering from [the] regime of Sudan. All this was for the people of South Sudan to live in peace”.
The commissioner of Rumbek Central County Matur Majok Magol, took the opportunity to urge all Lakes state’s civilian population who still possess an illegal weapons to surrender them to the armed forces.
Magol said: “Rumbek Central County under my leadership, fully commits itself to provision of maximum security to the people. The County authorities shall also engage in provision of other social services such as education, water, sanitation, and health, to promote peace we also call upon everybody to focus on agriculture being the backbone of this country. Finally, my appreciation goes to all our partners both domestic and international in the struggle for peace”.
The UNMISS representative Gilbert Nantasa, read out the message of UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon:
Every year on the International Day of Peace, people around the world commit to non-violence and to harmony among all people and nations.
Peace is our mission; our day-to-day quest. This year theme focuses on the timely issue of peace and democracy.
It is crucial for human rights. It provides channels for resolving differences. It give hope to the marginalised and power to the people.
But democracy does not just happen; it has to be nurtured and defended. The world need you to speak out. For social justice and freedom of the press.
For a clean environment and women empowerment. For the rule of law and the right to a say in one own future.
This year, young people have been on the frontlines for freedom.
I salute the activists and ordinary people for their courage and determination to build a better future. We at the United Nations will work in common cause to realize our shared aspirations for dignity, security and opportunity for all.
Peace is our mission; our day-to-day quest.
To all those seeking peace, this is your day, and we are with you.
The celebration was concluded with marches in Rumbek’s freedom square.
This is the fourth time Rumbek has celebrated International Peace Day, since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed in 2005. This year marks the first since South Sudan declared independence on July 9.
(ST)