Religious leaders hold peace rally in Lakes state

January 14, 2015 (RUMBEK) – A delegation of religious leaders led by Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul are in South Sudan’s Lakes state to pray for peace and reconciliation.

Speaking to at a rally held on Wednesday, Archbishop Bul said the visit by clerics would address cycles of violence and inter-clan killings in the region.

“The trip for peace and reconciliation began in Juba by marching and the first peace preaching was held in Awerial county and second was in greater Yirol West and Yirol East counties,” he said.

Deng said the public welcomed the visit, demanding that justice be allowed to prevail.

“The public in all counties where we preached for peace and reconciliation were happy. They need peace and justice. They need security and forgiveness. People of God should accept the slogan for peace and unity among themselves,” said the Archbishop.

Deng said a rally will be held in Rumbek East county headquarters on Thursday, calling upon all politicians and the public in general to reconcile and forgive each other.

“Forgiveness is always the light that would wave direction to better life. Peace and reconciliation must start within your heart. You have to tell each another that you are sorry for mistakes you have done and God will forgive you,” he told the rally.

The situation in Lakes state worsened when a joint force of the police and military withdrew from all its hotspots, blaming the community for not sharing information.

Lakes state authorities have reported a rise in crime-related cases in the region.

(ST)