As South Sudan pursues peace and nation-building, government officials have praised the three-day Pojulu Cultural Festival as a model for unity, commending the event for bringing together different communities and promoting unity.
Speaking at the festival's closing, Paulino Lokudu Obede,
Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State, credited the event with creating a
rare moment of harmony on social media.
“The festival has achieved tremendous achievements starting
from unity, peace, reconciliation and embracing diversity,” Lokudu said on
Monday in Juba.
“This festival has united the people of the Republic of
South Sudan for the past three days and we have found minimum use or misuse of
hate speech in social media. Here I have seen those who are using social media
negatively, but during this festival they start using social media positively.”
Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and
chair of the Pojulu community, emphasized the importance of collective support
and inclusion, particularly among younger generations.
“As young people, this is the way we have to follow to
attract our brothers and other tribes to support us when we need each other,”
Dr. Elia stated at the event’s opening on Saturday.
Nadia Arop, Minister of Culture, Museums and National
Heritage, urged other communities to embrace cultural leadership and strengthen
peace at the grassroots level.
“The government can only organize a national festival once a
year. But it is our role as communities to come together and showcase our
unique traditions,” she urged.
Held under the theme 'Friendship Among Communities Unites
South Sudanese,' the festival featured dance, storytelling, and music, offering
a platform for reconciliation and dialogue in post-conflict South Sudan.
Launched in 2024, the Pojulu Cultural Festival has become a major event that unites communities, connects generations, and fosters cultural identity.