The governor of Eastern Equatoria state, Hon. Luis Lobong Lojore has called on the people to embrace peace and stop cattle raids in the state.
Hon. Lobong was speaking during a music peace concert at Kapoeta freedom square. He told thousands of people in Kapoeta South County to refrain from cattle raiding.
He says people need to hold peace in their hearts for better peace among communities.
“Let this peace be in our hearts; let stop this issue of cattle raid; it will never help us. I know you, people of Kapoeta, during those times of Arabs, you fight hard for SPLM/A. Let us not fight SPLM/A; let us have peace in our state”, said Governor Lobong.
He said that his office is working hard to ensure peace coexists among the people of Eastern Equatoria state.
Caroline Wauda is the head of the UNMISS Field Office in Torit. She told people in Kapoeta that they have done a lot to support the people of Eastern Equatoria to embrace peace.
“We have done much, such as the construction of maternity wards, classrooms, prison blocks, and the rehabilitation of police posts, so that the people can embrace peace and coexist peacefully,” said Caroline Wauda.
She said one of the perfect examples is a secondary school they built in Kuron Peace village so that the boys and girls could go back to school and stop cattle raiding.
“We embrace knowledge, fight illiteracy, and fight poverty. UNMISS is here to support this kind of initiative,” said Wauda.
She urges people to maintain peace in their communities. She said it requires support from both government and well-wishers.
The head of UNMISS community outreach and advocacy unity in Torit, Mr. Uboyih Inaju, said their work engages with conflicting parties to ensure lasting peace in the country.
“I want to let you know that around the world when peacekeeping is settled, the United Mission will not send people into your country without the concern of the government and the parties to the conflict.”
He said their job is to be impartial and not support any party to the conflict; they work with all parties to ensure lasting peace in the country. And advised citizens to be peace-loving and focus on peace to better the country.
The United Nations mission in South Sudan UNMISS Eastern Equatoria field office organized the music peace concert.