South Sudanese artists stage concert over peace deal
By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
November 22, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudanese artists in Ethiopia staged a concert in the capital Addis Ababa to celebrate a final peace agreement signed in August between the two South Sudan warring factions.
The highly crowded concert organized by SSAAE aimed to congratulate the warring factions on the recently signed peace accord which ends a nearly two-year long conflict in the world’s youngest nation.
They urged on both sides to translate the agreement into practice and show commitment for the full implementation of the peace deal as stipulated in the compromise peace agreement.
Approached by Sudan Tribune, a number of South Sudanese however continued to express disappointment over reports of fresh clashes between government troops and opposition forces despite the final peace agreement.
They called on both sides to honour the recently signed security arrangements and to smoothly form a transitional government of national unity.
Speaking on behalf of Khor Deng Jang, who is the chairman of the Association, Angelina Nyanen Isaac, one of the musicians who performed, appealed to South Sudanese at home and in exile to support the leaders on the implementation of the peace deal in order to rescue the lives of the citizens who have been suffering inside the country.
Meanwhile Peace Ambassador Gatwech Koak Nyuon who opened the concert as the guest of honour urged the musicians to advocate for peace and start composing new songs that aim to bring people together.
Some professional producers including Mha Chang who owns studio, “goa ni mal” in ethnic Nuer language, meaning “peace is good”, disclosed that the musicians welcomed the peace and urged others in Juba to start raising awareness.
Some diplomats and business community from South Africa, German and Republic of Uganda participated. Nuer community leader in Ethiopia, John Jekow, also participated in the show.
Pal Tang Yuel (aka Jada) said that this was the first biggest event in the year since the conflict erupted. Paul Bayoy who is currently in the field for peace mobilization around Akobo county of South Sudan added that the Association will soon organize another show for more enlightenment on peace.
More than 500 people attended the concert in St. George Hotel of Gerji sub city in the capital, Addis Ababa.
The nearly two year-long conflict in the world’s youngest nation has left tens of thousands of people dead and forced about 2 million to flee their homes.
(ST)