Juba: President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Saturday graced his Royal Honouring Ceremony organized by the Chollo Kingdom under King Kwongo Dak Padiet to appreciate the President for restoring lasting peace across the country. The Royal honouring ceremony was held under the theme “Peace and Stability.”
While addressing the crowd at Dr John Garang Mausoleum, President Salva Kiir Mayardit asserted that his administration will work jointly with the traditional authorities to promote peace and preserve national heritage.
“I am Fully aware of the important role of traditional leadership in our quest for permanent peace and stability. My government is ready to partner with you to achieve peace and work together to fulfil the aspirations of our people continuously. It is time for peace among the politicians and ordinary people at the grassroots across the country,” President Kiir said.
The President also expressed his gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him by the Chollo Kingdom. “I thank you for honouring me in this event. Your Majesty, I accept this honour on behalf of those working for peace at national and grassroots levels. I dedicate this honour to faceless thousands of peacemakers across South Sudan whose work goes unnoticed every day despite their role in maintaining peaceful co-existence within their communities and beyond,” President Kiir noted.
The President also stated that the government will provide durable peace and stability in restive areas nationwide.
“To the people of Chollo Kingdom and all the citizens of this country, I assure you that the government will do its best to restore stability in areas affected by violence. I am calling upon you to do your part in maintaining social harmony both within your communities and with your neighbours. Respect traditional authorities and allow the accumulated wisdom of these revered institutions to guide how you relate to one another within your communities and with your neighbours,” President reiterated.
Kwongo Dak Padiet, the King of Chollo Kingdom, acknowledged the role played by the Government of National Unity in signing the Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan(R-ARCSS), adding that a lot must be done to restore social harmony and peace among communities which essentially will be achieved by economic development in the country.
The King further emphasized that traditions and customs are central in peace-making because they have inbuilt processes for reconciliation, healing and peace.
King of Anyuak Kingdom Akwei Agada Akei appealed to the youth to shun violence and embrace peace for stability to foster development in the country.
The King finally urged Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees to come out of camps and return to their respective communities to work for peace across the country.
