Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga has called on South Sudanese citizens to reject division, revenge, and hate speech, and instead, embrace forgiveness, reconciliation, and practical action to build peace. He made this call on Monday at All Saints Cathedral in Juba during a National Day of Prayer and Fasting organized by the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC). The event aimed to pray for peace, unity, and reconciliation in the country.
The National Day of Prayer and Fasting was held under a biblical theme from 2 Chronicles 7:14, which calls on people to humble themselves, pray, seek God, and turn away from wrongdoing. Hundreds of Christians from different denominations, government officials, church leaders, women, and youth attended the gathering, focusing on peace, forgiveness, reconciliation, and national unity. The event was a significant show of unity and solidarity among South Sudanese citizens.
Vice President Wani Igga emphasized that prayer and fasting should result in a change of heart, behavior, and culture. He warned that prayers for peace have little meaning if people continue to promote division. The Vice President urged South Sudanese to consider what kind of country they want to leave for future generations, emphasizing forgiveness, inclusivity, and selflessness. His message resonated with the attendees, who are eager to see peace and stability in their country.
Acting Chairperson of the South Sudan Council of Churches, Bishop James Lado Emiliano, echoed the Vice President's sentiments, stating that prayer must be followed by concrete action and dialogue. He emphasized the need for dialogue at all levels, from families and communities to national leadership. Bishop Emiliano also raised concerns over insecurity and economic hardship, urging church leaders to engage directly with their communities.
Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony also spoke at the event, emphasizing that peace begins with individuals and communities. He stressed the importance of forgiveness, unity, and responsible leadership in achieving peace and stability in South Sudan. The Governor's message highlighted the need for collective action and responsibility in building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
The national prayer came as South Sudan marked the International Day of Peace and faces continuing political and security challenges ahead of the planned December 2026 general elections. Churches have continued to call on political leaders and citizens to resolve differences through dialogue and reconciliation rather than violence. The gathering at All Saints Cathedral brought together religious and political leaders around a common message: that prayer for peace must be accompanied by changes in attitudes, behavior, and actions across South Sudanese society.
The event concluded with a renewed call to action for South Sudanese citizens to work towards peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The Vice President's message and the church leaders' emphasis on concrete action and dialogue underscored the need for collective effort in achieving peace and stability in the country. As South Sudan looks towards the future, the National Day of Prayer and Fasting serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, forgiveness, and responsible leadership.
Key points
- Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga calls for transformation and rejection of division and hate speech in South Sudan.
- The National Day of Prayer and Fasting was attended by hundreds of Christians, government officials, and church leaders, focusing on peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
- Church leaders emphasize the need for concrete action and dialogue to achieve peace and stability in South Sudan.
