SOUTH SUDAN: Put aside differences and dialogue on nation building, says church official
Source: CRN
Jim Long John, the Coordinator of Justice and Peace Commission in the South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat, has challenged Juba Christian youth participating in a two-day workshop on Conflict Management to take the responsibility of dialogue with communities for peaceful coexistence.
“The future of South Sudan is the youth,” he said. He urged them to encourage and participate in Dialogue on nation building by putting aside differences and bringing forward grievances.
The Coordinator Justice and Peace Commission reminded the youth that everyone will be accountable before God on one’s deeds on earth. He told the youth that God wants His people to work for the welfare of humanity, not destruction as is now witnessed in South Sudan.
The workshop was facilitated by the Civil Affairs Division of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, with the theme: Encouraging dialogues to promote coexistence. The Civil Affairs Division ensures community coexistence through dialogue and workshop in the country.
The youth participants identified insecurity, land grabbing, tribalism, injustice, corruption, economic crisis and cultural conflicts as issues of serious concern in South Sudanese communities.The youth agreed that all these grievances can be addressed through dialogue, prayer, respect for human rights and change of attitude.
Meanwhile, the President of the republic of South Sudan Salva Kiir has announced initiatives towards national reconciliation and dialogue. He said that the Government will conduct national dialogue across the country to discuss issues of forgiveness, unity, and national development.
President Salva Kiir on Tuesday, December 13, told the National Transitional Assembly that the dialogue will be a forum for South Sudanese to talk about reconciliation, peace and nation building. The process will be inclusive to all South Sudanese in order to be accepted by all people, he assured.
The move by the President came after numerous calls by churches and civil society for peace, reconciliation, and dialogue among citizens across the Country.
President Kiir also expressed concern about the current economic and political situation in the country that threatens to tear the country apart. He announced cancelation of the increment in the tuition fees for the public universities after some students complained that they would not finish their studies.
Radio Bakhita is yet to speak to university administrations and the students on the announcement.
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