By Emelda Siama John
A rewind on September 19, 2025, Central Equatoria State marked the International Peace Day with a significant event held in Terekeka County. The celebration brought together local citizens, as well as delegates from both the state and national governments, and was organized by the Ministry of Peace Building in collaboration with various peace partners.
This year’s observance aligned with the global theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful South Sudan.” The event featured lively wrestling entertainment and traditional dances showcasing the rich Mundari culture.
During the ceremony, Central Equatoria State Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel emphasized the importance of peace, stating, “As Governor of Central Equatoria State, my administration has prioritised a state policy of restoring peace, unity and security across all counties and Wonduruba Administrative Payam. We strongly believe that without peace, there can be no development, no progress and no meaningful transformation of our society. This is why our government is committed to working hand in hand with the national government, development partners and our communities to silence the guns and heal the wounds of division. My fellow South Sudanese, too many of our people continue to suffer because of conflict, loss of life, broken families, communities turned apart. We must reject. I call on all leaders, armed groups and citizens to embrace peace, to choose dialogue over force, reconciliation over strife. Let us unite to heal our country’s wounds so that our children may inherit hope, dignity, security and unity for all. This must begin with us. I call on all of us, leaders, elders, youth, women, civil society to embrace home-growing initiatives such as dialogue with fallout groups, reconciliation forums and traditional mechanisms. Peace must not remain as a policy on paper. It must be lived and felt in every household, village and town across Central Equatoria.”
Central Equatoria State Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel greeting during the event
He further called on leaders, armed groups, and all citizens to embrace peace through dialogue, reconciliation, and traditional reconciliation practices. “Peace must begin with us from elders, youth, women, and civil society and should be reflected in every household, village, and town across Central Equatoria,” he urged.
Hiroko Hirahara, Director of Civil Affairs at UNMISS, highlighted the significance of the day, noting, “Among those most affected are communities across Central Equatoria, particularly Greater Ye’e, where the violence continues to cost lives, cause displacement and loss of livelihoods. This challenge requires proactive, concrete and collective action to address the root causes of violence. Foster reconciliation, promote dialogue and build peace. From the grassroots in the Boma, Payang counties and states to the national level.”
Piyo Philip, Undersecretary at the National Ministry of Peace Building, praised the efforts of women in peacebuilding. “We are looking at building structures that build peace in our communities. These women are doing just that. Ladies and gentlemen, peace is the best commodity that humanity can have. And I want to assure you that we should believe the people of South Sudan that we have peace. The problem with peace is that it is always felt in its absence.”
The the International Peace Day with a significant event held in Terekeka County (Credit: Emelda Siama, King Media)
Terekeka County Commissioner Emmanuel Loku also spoke passionately about peace in his community. “Welcome to my lecture on how to greet people in a respectful way. This is a legal way. This is a legal way. If you don’t act in a responsible way, it’s a crime. This is a legal way. If you don’t act in a responsible way, it’s a crime.”he declared.
The event underscored a shared community commitment to peace, reconciliation, and development, emphasizing that lasting peace begins with collective effort and local resolve.
Part of the celebrations. (Credit: Emelda Siama, King Media)