May 30, 2016 (BENTIU) – At least 5,320 Bul Nuer currently living at the United Nations Protection of Civilian (PoC) site at Jebel-Kujur, a suburb of the South Sudan capital, have urged the country’s leaders to speed up the ongoing peace implementation process.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir (C) poses for a picture after the government swearing in with his first deputy Riek Machar (R) and second deputy James Wani on 29 April 2016 (Photo Moses Lomayat)

James Tut Wuliny, a Bul Nuer community leader, said the peace deal signed in August last year, between warring parties was the only option to end conflict.

He however said South Sudanese leaders should explain the importance of peace among citizens in the young nation.

Wuliny says both President Salva Kiir and his first deputy, Riek Machar had vital roles to play in efforts to promote peace and unity in the country, despite the two year conflict.

“We are taking this initiative as Bul [Nuer] community leaders that President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his first deputy in the formation of transitional government of national unity had a task to stop random killings and looting of properties experienced in this unwanted three years of crisis,” he said.

The official lauded both leaders for their commitments to the ongoing implement of the country’s peace accord, but said more need to be done in sensitizing the population.

“This courageous step you have taken shall save the country from economic crises and it will also restore trust between the tribes broken into ashes by the crisis,” he said.

Wuliny said the populations of Mayom, one of the counties in Unity state, fully support the peace deal and that it was time for people to forgive each other for crimes committed.

“We call upon all people in South Sudan to say sorry to one another and accept ourselves as one people serving one nation with a purpose,” further stressed the Bul Nuer leader.

James Gatluak Madiet, a displaced Bul Nuer currently living at the UN protection of civilian base in Juba, said a reconciliation campaign successfully kicked off on Sunday.

“The reconciliation campaign started today in UNMISS [UN Mission in South Sudan] will open doors to all peace lovers countrywide and also in the diaspora because without telling the truth to the affected communities, there will be no peace and the grievances will remain,” said Madiet.

The campaign is the first ever event organised by the Bul Nuer community at a UN protection site, since the conflict broke out in the South Sudan capital in December 2013.

(ST)