At a recent event in Torit, Eastern Equatoria, women voiced concerns about a lack of basic services caused by insecurity in parts of the state. Photos: Okello James/UNMISS
TORIT – Persistent intercommunal violence, frequently sparked by cattle raiding, child abductions and road ambushes causes significant human suffering in Eastern Equatoria’s rural communities. An oft-forgotten side effect of this insecurity is a lack of delivery of basic services.
“Our hospitals are still without medicines, our roads have a lot of potholes, women are dying when delivering babies in faraway places with no health services. We are appealing to the government to work harder to restore peace, which will make development possible,” said Eunice Nakiru, a women’s representative.
Her desperate plea was made in front of local authorities, representatives of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and other peace partners at an event organized by the State Ministry of Peacebuilding, aimed exactly at giving concerned citizens an opportunity to speak up about the challenges they face.
Representing Governor Louis Lobong Lojore, German Charles Ojok pledged that the state government will act to get to grips with the root causes of the problems experienced by many citizens.
“As humans we can differ, but there is still room for reconciliation and forgiveness. That is the main focus of the government: we want people to be united and respect each other’s human rights,” he told those in attendance, adding that South Sudan’s revitalized peace agreement must be fully implemented across the country.
Guy Griffin, Head of the UNMISS Field Office in Torit, reiterated the peacekeeping mission’s readiness to support all peace initiatives and stressed that the cultural diversity that seems to cause conflicts is in fact an advantage in any society.
“A culture of peace requires recognizing diversity as a strength for the ability and commitment to rebuilding intercommunal harmony. Acknowledging cultural, religious and political differences will help South Sudan advance its aspirations for peace, stability, justice and prosperity,” he said.