Youth in Yambio call to end conflict and fight HIV/AIDS
January 18, 2016 (YAMBIO) – An organization known as the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) in South Sudan organized a football peace competition tournament in the Western Equatoria’s state capital, Yambio, to discourage conflicts and fight against the HIV/AIDS by creating awareness in the state.
Under the theme: “Youth together tournament for promoting peace and fighting HIV/AIDS”, the event brought together youth groups from churches and civil society groups to promote peace and co-existence in the community.
Speaking Sudan Tribune after the peace match, chairperson for the organizing committee in YWCA, Gugamugbia Peter, said the football competition which ended on Sunday, 17 January, was attended by thousands of people around Yambio in Villa United football ground.
The competition, Peter said, targeted youth who are the most vulnerable group in conflict area and HIV infections in the society and because of the ongoing conflict in Yambio between armed youth group and SPLA forces. YWCA took the lead to organize such tournament since 2015 and because of the insecurity in Yambio it could not finish in time.
“Youth are the most vulnerable people in the society that is why we decided to organize the tournament to unite the youth after conflict in Yambio and to learn how to live in peace and also create awareness on how to fight HIV/AIDS,” Peter added.
Monday David, one of the football players who participated in the tournament, said it was a good tournament, explaining that he met new friends and he could see other youth cheering with others which showed unity and peace among the youth in Yambio.
“I was so happy during the tournament because I was exposed to new friends and also I could see other colleagues laughing together which was showing sign of unity and peace among the youth.”
Monday urged youth in South Sudan to promote sports activities because it brings together youth from different ethnicities together despite their tribal differences.
Western Equatoria state has been experiencing conflict which started in Mundri and affected most of the counties in the state of which some youth groups entered the bush, accusing the South Sudan army (SPLA) of killing innocent people and not promoting the ranks of Equatoria soldiers who are in the SPLA.
The state also ranks highest in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in South Sudan, according to the survey conducted by the South Sudanese HIV/AIDS commission.
(ST)