A cultural festival held in Yambio, Western Equatoria State, has brought together government officials, traditional leaders, and members of different ethnic communities to promote unity and reconciliation. The event, organised by the Western Equatoria State Youth Union and Markaz Al Salam, a youth-led organisation, with support from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), aimed to foster greater youth participation in decision-making and respect for cultural diversity. The festival featured a diverse range of participants, including young people and civil society representatives.
Markaz Al Salam Founder and Executive Director Florence Agiba addressed participants at the festival, urging the government to increase youth and women’s representation in decision-making. Agiba cited a 20% youth representation target and a 35% affirmative action quota for women, and cautioned young people against political manipulation and violence. She encouraged them to contribute to peacebuilding and democratic processes, promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, and coexistence. Agiba also announced the launch of SOUTNA, a youth-led digital platform intended to amplify young people’s voices and promote non-violent approaches to peacebuilding.
Western Equatoria State Caretaker Minister of Information and Communications Noah Philip Isaah also spoke at the event, urging young people to reject tribal hatred, misinformation, and violence. He encouraged them to use social media to promote unity and described the state’s ethnic and cultural diversity as a strength rather than a source of division. Isaah emphasised the importance of living together in peace, citing the need for peace from Tapari to Boo. His remarks underscored the government’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and youth inclusion.
Prime Minister of the Azande Kingdom Tadeo Mario Sasa commended NPA, the state government, and local authorities for supporting the Kingdom’s programmes and initiatives. He also acknowledged the African Union’s cooperation with the Kingdom, particularly in promoting agriculture and food security. Sasa expressed gratitude to Caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa for attending the festival, highlighting the importance of collaboration and partnership in promoting peace and development.
NPA Secretary-General Raymond Johansen highlighted the role of traditional institutions in peacebuilding and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working with the Azande Kingdom, government institutions, and civil society groups. Johansen noted that NPA began its engagement in South Sudan in 1986, providing food assistance to communities affected by the liberation war. He expressed concern about growing humanitarian needs, recurrent conflict, and declining international aid, but emphasised the potential for renewed cooperation in Yambio’s agricultural sector.
The festival provided a platform for participants to engage in discussions and reflections on the importance of youth inclusion and peaceful coexistence. The event also showcased the cultural diversity of the region, with participants sharing their traditions and customs. By promoting unity and reconciliation, the festival aimed to contribute to the development of a more peaceful and cohesive society in Western Equatoria State.
The partnership between NPA, the Western Equatoria State Youth Union, and Markaz Al Salam has demonstrated the potential for collaborative efforts to promote peace and development in South Sudan. As NPA marks 40 years of engagement in the country, its commitment to working with local institutions and communities underscores the importance of investing in the people of South Sudan. The organisation’s work has expanded to include healthcare, agriculture, women’s empowerment, mine action, and civil society development, highlighting the breadth of its engagement in the country.
Key points
- The festival called for greater youth participation in decision-making and respect for cultural diversity.
- Markaz Al Salam launched SOUTNA, a youth-led digital platform to amplify young people’s voices and promote non-violent approaches to peacebuilding.
- NPA has marked 40 years of engagement in South Sudan, expanding its work to include healthcare, agriculture, women’s empowerment, mine action, and civil society development.
