Veteran South Sudanese singer advocates for peace
August 6, 2015 (WAU) – A renowned South Sudanese female singer on Thursday joined the numerous advocacies for peace and stability in the world’s youngest nation.
“I want to tell our people that you have to unite, reconcile and forget the pass. We have to live a life that unites us as people of South Sudan and open a new page to our new nation,” she said.
The singer asked the population to reflect on the numerous lives lost during the over two decade liberation struggle with neighbouring Sudan.
“So many women lost their husbands and children during this war. A woman should stay alive when she has her husband,” said Nyachan.
She appealed to the country two rival factions to lay down their arms and adhere to the cessations of hostilities agreements signed.
“You have to lay down your guns because it cannot unite our people [but] destroy our nation instead of developing it,” stressed the singer.
Tens of thousands of people have perished and nearly two million displaced since violence broke out in South Sudan in December 2013.
However, Nyachan urged the two warring parties in the conflict to compromise for peace ahead of the next round talks in Ethiopia.
According to the United Nations, the humanitarian consequences of the South Sudan conflict are grave. At least 4.6 million people are reportedly food insecure. Nearly two million people have been displaced inside the country and 600,000 have fled to neighbouring nations.
The South Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan for 2015 is reportedly only 42% funded, leaving a gap of nearly $1 billion dollars to be filled.
(ST)