Jonglei governor calls for peaceful co-existence and human rights respect

July 9, 2013 (BOR) – Jonglei State governor Kuol Manyang Juuk has used South Sudan’s second independence anniversary celebrations to call for peaceful co- existence and a respect for human rights.

Speaking during celebrations in Bor yesterday, Kuol Manyang Juuk, urged the six different ethnic groups in the state to live in peace and abandon the culture of child abduction, cattle rustling which he said have been the main cause of past violence. He said such practices are against humanity.

“Let us give peace a chance. There is no development if there is no peace among us. We need peace and we cannot buy it”, said an emotional Manyang.

Manyang also asked those fighting the South Sudan government to seek peace and join hands in efforts to develop the country.

“I am calling upon those carrying arms against the government, especially David Yauyau to come and join us in developing this nation, not for destruction”, he said.

The governor advised those who have been dropped from their positions not to go mobilising their tribesmen for war.

“If you are dismissed, don’t go and mobilise your people, that will not take us anywhere”, he counselled.

South Sudan’s second independence celebration took place in all the Jonglei state counties. The deputy state governor Hussein Mar Nyuo chaired the celebration organizing committee.

South Sudan army, civil society organisations and school children matched in Bor Freedom Square during the celebration.

The commander of SPLA in Jonglei General Peter Gadet was among high-ranking officers who attended celebrations in Bor.

ST