Juba, South Sudan,
July 12,2021 — South Sudan’s First Vice-President, Dr. Riek Machar, has said the government will support sport as a an instrument aimed to promote peace and unity in the East African nation.
The First Vice President, who is also the main opposition leader, said on Friday in Juba while officiating the Great Run Marathon organized by the South Sudan Great Run Association under the theme “Lets Run for Better Future of South Sudan,”.
In a statement seen by Nyamilepedia, Machar also commended the people of South Sudan on the milestone they have taken to celebrate 10 years of independence from neighboring Sudan.
The Independence Anniversary was graced with a marathon that impressed and attracted thousands of people with shared objectives to encourage peace and unity.
The occasion was attended by Vice Presidents James Wani Igga, Taban Deng Gai, Rebecca Nyandeng, several top government officials, and representatives of the diplomatic corp.
Machar called on the people of South Sudan to maintain peace, adding that it is the only mean to achieve the goals they have set aside for themselves towards a peaceful, prosperous and united nation.
South Sudan gained her independence on July 9, 2011 but slipped into another war shortly after two years of independence, leaving at least 400,000 dead and millions displaced into the neighbouring nations.
The First Vice President further recognized the high expectations from the citizens; however, he believes that the only way to achieve such expectations is if peace is maintained.
“Our people expect a lot from us. The world is also expecting a lot from us [and] for us to continue celebrations every time, we need to keep the peace alive,” Machar said.
