Oct 16, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — Youth representatives in Western Bahr el-Ghazal attended a forum in which they brainstormed the role of young people in promoting peaceful intercommunal relations in their region.
According to a statement by UNMISS the young people who attended the event organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in cooperation with the Kindness Community Development Organization were given the relevant know-how as to how to go about promoting peace with other communities.
The WAU youths appreciated the multiethnic forum, saying that it has helped foster harmonious coexistence.
“I was inspired by what I learnt about social cohesion and coexistence. This forum has taught me how to reconcile differences and foster harmonious co-existence,” said Sirino Dominic Moses, a young woman
“We have to leave divisions behind and work as one nation. We should not limit ourselves to the Wau area only. We need to reach out to our brothers and sisters not only in town but also in other countries. We should tell them not to follow the lead of some politicians who use tribalism for political purposes,” she added.
These youths stressed that young people can also help make sure that some vulnerable groups in their societies are not left behind.
“I’ll give you an example. Street children are also citizens who have the right to go to school and live a good life. If given a chance, someone who is currently a street child may one day become a governor or even the president of our country,” Stuart Dominic Uchela, a youth at the forum said.
A peacekeeper who was present at the forum commended the youth for having raised the request to organize what turned into a constructive get-together.
“You have gone through a lot of hardship in recent months, so it is good to see that you still have energy and will to come together, to contribute to the revitalization of civil society organizations and discuss how you can best support the peace building in your state,” said Mr. Tejan-Kella, a representative of the peacekeeping mission.
Wau is one of the many places in Western Bahr el-Ghazal that has been experiencing tribal clashes over the years.
The peacekeeping mission’s field office in Wau is planning to conduct three more similar activities in the region.
