Media Home
UN Web TV
UN Audiovisual Library
UN PhotoUnifeed
SOUTH SUDAN / PEACE DEAL REAX
STORY: SOUTH SUDAN / PEACE DEAL REAX
TRT: 02:38
SOURCE: UNMISS
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 20 SEPTEMBER 2018, JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
1. Wide shot, people sitting under a tree at the University of Juba
2. Med shot, Francis John and fellow student sitting under the tree
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Francis John, South Sudanese University Student:
“South Sudan has been in conflict for several years, 21 years. They did not enjoy this peace. How are they going to enjoy this peace? Through the peace agreement. If they are able to come together, those of the opposition, those in government, and all the citizens, let them come together and then fight for the development of this country. But without all those people coming together and then avoiding their own interests, let them think of the other people’s interests, we can achieve this peace, but without all those things, it is very hard.”
4. Med, Nyol Justin Yaac seated with panel chairperson Lasuba Memo
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Nyuol Justin Yaac, Chair of South Sudan Human Rights Commission:
“I think it is up to the people of South Sudan to own this agreement, as bad as it might be, as crooked as it is, let’s look for ways that can straighten those flaws and the crooked lines that are mapping out the agreement itself. I do believe, and I do trust that we have the ability to do that. The only thing that is left is how then we come together and actually have that common agenda pushing forward.”
6. Med shot, UNMISS SRSG holding a lit candle with the Speaker of the National Assembly Anthony Lino Makana
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Anthony Lino Makana, Speaker of National Assembly:
“This peace must be championed by South Sudanese. And to begin this peace, we must begin it with a smile, a smile at the face of each other. We must also begin it with forgiveness regardless of how much you have been offended, you have to forgive and forget and then a new chapter will open for us. This is a very important thing. We say, and we denounce violence, we denounce bloodshed and we advocate for peace and for tranquility and love and for unity.”
8. Med shot, speakers facing audience
9. SOUNDBITE (English) David Shearer, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS:
“There has been skepticism about whether there is the political to implement the agreement. The reaction from people I’ve met is one of hope but also one of caution. Like us, they want to see concrete action on the ground to demonstrate a real commitment to peace. We all know the peace agreement is not perfect. No peace agreement ever been devised has ever been perfect. But it is the one on the table. It is the one that exists and for that reason, we all need to back it and that’s why the UN will back it.”
10. Wide shot, ambassadors to South Sudan seated
11. Med shot, South Africa’s Ambassador to South Sudan
Ahead of the International Day of Peace, a panel of experts met at the University of Juba to discuss a way forward as the South Sudanese begin implementing a new peace deal.
For the young people in the audience, this message is reassuring but the opportunity to realize their hopes and dreams rests on the willingness of others to end the war, trust each other and implement a peace deal that will last.
Francis John is studying finance and accountancy. He knows about the newly signed peace agreement, but it is not occupying his thoughts. He has seen it all before.
SOUNDBITE (English) Francis John, South Sudanese University Student:
“South Sudan has been in conflict for several years, 21 years. They did not enjoy this peace. How are they going to enjoy this peace? Through the peace agreement. If they are able to come together, those of the opposition, those in government, and all the citizens, let them come together and then fight for the development of this country. But without all those people coming together and then avoiding their own interests, let them think of the other people’s interests, we can achieve this peace, but without all those things, it is very hard.”
Just a few meters away, the panel of experts debated the right to peace.
SOUNDBITE (English) Nyuol Justin Yaac, Chair of South Sudan Human Rights Commission:
“I think it is up to the people of South Sudan to own this agreement, as bad as it might be, as crooked as it is, let’s look for ways that can straighten those flaws and the crooked lines that are mapping out the agreement itself. I do believe, and I do trust that we have the ability to do that. The only thing that is left is how then we come together and actually have that common agenda pushing forward.”
The government acknowledges that most of the population has been born into war. They have never known peace but now is the time to embrace it.
SOUNDBITE (English) Anthony Lino Makana, Speaker of National Assembly:
“This peace must be championed by South Sudanese. And to begin this peace, we must begin it with a smile, a smile at the face of each other. We must also begin it with forgiveness regardless of how much you have been offended, you have to forgive and forget and then a new chapter will open for us. This is a very important thing. We say, and we denounce violence, we denounce bloodshed and we advocate for peace and for tranquility and love and for unity.”
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan is ready to support genuine peacebuilding and reconciliation activities using its resources across the country.
SOUNDBITE (English) David Shearer, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS:
“There has been skepticism about whether there is the political to implement the agreement. The reaction from people I’ve met is one of hope but also one of caution. Like us, they want to see concrete action on the ground to demonstrate a real commitment to peace. We all know the peace agreement is not perfect. No peace agreement ever been devised has ever been perfect. But it is the one on the table. It is the one that exists and for that reason, we all need to back it and that’s why the UN will back it.”
There are concerns that, despite the commitment to disengage all armed forces, clashes continue in the central Equatorias. The Government says there has been a reduction in the level of violence and people must be patient.
Download
There is no media available to download.
