Pleas for peace ring out across South Sudan on the International Day of UnitedNations Peacekeepers
Francesca Mold
29 May, JUBA – “In South Sudan where dust meets sky, the children watch the years go by.
Our hands long to play, not to hide in fear, throughout the day. The leaders here, within our
land, we stretch out a hopeful tiny hand. Your promises whisper light. Can the promise
bring peace and end the fight?”
It was this emotional plea for peace from 10-year-old, Aluel Mochnom Wuor, that stole the
show at the commemoration of the International Day of Peacekeepers in Juba, as the City
View Academy student spoke from the heart on behalf of her people, calling for an end to
war so that children can achieve their dreams.
“We are the future. Hear our voices, a better world is ours to see. Don’t let our dreams die or
fall. Give peace to one, give peace to all. Our hearts reach out to build a country where we
live in peace. Please leaders, take a stand, take a stand against war. Let love and kindness
light their way and bring a bright, peaceful day.”
Her heartfelt words amplified the event’s theme, Peace Begins with Me, which promotes
the importance of each of us taking action, no matter how small, to contribute to a
powerful, collective movement for peace. It was a message that the representative of the
Government of South Sudan also embraced.
“Peace Begins with Me is really appropriate, especially considering what is going on in the
world, and if we actually embraced that theme, Peace Begins with Me, perhaps the world
would be a better place,” said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation, Akuei Bona Malwal.
The Deputy Minister joined other participants in acknowledging the courage and
commitment of the 18,000 uniformed and civilian peacekeepers working in difficult and,
sometimes dangerous, conditions to support the world’s youngest country on its journey
from conflict to peace.
Tribute was also paid to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, with a wreath laying
ceremony and lowering of the United Nations and South Sudan flags to half-mast.
“Today, we remember our own colleagues serving with the United Nations Mission in South
Sudan, who sadly passed away in the last year. We express our deep condolences to their
families. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy inspires us to continue all
efforts in the pursuit of peace,” said the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-
General (Political), Guang Cong.
South Sudan is grappling with a deteriorating political and security situation that risks
plunging the country back into war. Military confrontations and intercommunal conflict
continue to plague parts of the country. The implementation of the Revitalized Peace
Agreement is stagnating, despite its criticality in progressing the transition towards the
country’s first democratic elections, and 9.3 million people need humanitarian aid at a
time when funding is stretched to breaking point.
“Despite these obstacles, the people of South Sudan continue to demonstrate
extraordinary patience, resilience, and determination. We are inspired by their unrelenting
passion for peace,” said Guang Cong.
“As an impartial partner, UNMISS’ role is to support all parties leading the transformation of
this country. We, together with our regional and international partners, urge parties to the
peace agreement to resolve tensions through dialogue, build trust and confidence, secure
a cessation of hostilities, and take the necessary steps to fully implement the peace
agreement.”
Prior to the official ceremony, a new memorial was also unveiled to recognize the
extraordinary efforts of uniformed personnel, who persevere in the face of many obstacles,
to protect civilians and deter violence across the country, with some sadly losing their lives
in the line of duty.
“This United Nations flag in front of the Force Headquarters from today will not fly by the
wind that breezes through but by the last breath of these valiant brave hearts,” said UNMISS
Force Commander, Lieutenant-General Mohan Subramanian.
The last message of the day was from peacekeepers to the people they serve.
“We thank you for your unwavering support,” said Guang Cong. “We stand with you at this
difficult time as you persevere against all odds to secure the better future that you deserve,
because peace begins with me, with you, with all of us.”
