War-torn South Sudan marks 'International Peace Day'

By Parach Mach

JUBA, South Sudan

Plagued by almost three years of civil war, disease and severe food shortages, the world’s youngest nation marked the UN's International Day of Peace on Wednesday with little prospect of stability.

Despite the formation of a unity government in April which provided a glimpse of hope for 12 million South Sudanese, renewed fighting in June continued to force thousands of people to flee to neighboring countries daily in search of safety.

South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission (SSPRC) deputy chairman Peter Aguang said during Wednesday’s event in Juba: “We have embarked on 100 days’ peace activism to reach to the grassroots; it is a campaign aimed restoring our social fabric, broken down by the war.”

He said forgiveness, trust building and reconciliation were among the key pillars discussed during this year’s celebration.

One citizen, David Gatjang -- displaced after fleeing fighting in Unity State -- told Anadolu Agency: “We are calling for peace implementation and a stable South Sudan.”

Gatjang believes without support from the international community, the chances of the country returning to war are much higher.

“South Sudan really needs help and there is a need for the international community and regional peace actors to pressure our leaders to put the country’s interest above [all] and respect the agreement they signed.

Sabrin Latjor, a trader in Juba, told Anadolu Agency: “This suffering and bloodletting is enough. We have lost so many lives in the past two years and nothing can justify that.”

The South Sudan conflict erupted in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his long-time rival and sacked Vice-president Riek Machar of plotting a coup which later divided the country along ethnic lines, sparking bloodshed between Kiir’s Dinkas and Machar’s Nuers.

Tens of thousands have been killed; 2.4 million people -- more than half of them children -- have been displaced from their homes. Almost 5.1 million are in dire need of humanitarian assistance.