Presbyterian Church holds conference to unite IDPs in Bentiu

The Presbyterian church of South Sudan is spearheading efforts to reconcile internally displaced persons in Bentiu internally displaced camp.

The two weeks’ peace conference sponsored by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) kicked off on Saturday, bringing several ethnic communities together which were once hostile to each other.

Joseph Nhial Chan Hoth, the Presbyterian Church regional moderator in charge of the peace conference, said that the conference will not only end in Bentiu IDP camp but will also be held in Bentiu town, Rubkona County and in Guit County.

“The ongoing peace conference will enable communities to embrace peace and unity, and allow freedom of movement and community togetherness in the state,” Chan said during the peace conference held at Bentiu IDP camp football ground.

 Rev. Peter Chuol Guor Kikuey, advised youth to desist from revenge killings, adding that they should lay down guns in order to pursue education.

“This peace conference was organized by Presbyterian church of South Sudan with UNMISS purposely to reunite communities, this is the first ever peace conference organized by Presbyterian church of South Sudan in Bentiu, and this is my second time to come to Bentiu,” Guor said.

The Acting head of UNMISS field office and head of civil affairs division, Jean Kony appreciated the Presbyterian Church for organizing the peace conference in Bentiu IDP camp.

“UNMISS will continue to support the church through community peace dialogues, and will continue to transport peace preachers to hard –to-reach areas to preach peace and unity,” Kony said.

Kony urged youth to focus on education and development for the betterment of South Sudan.