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STORY: SOUTH SUDAN / WALK FOR PEACE
TRT: 03:48
SOURCE: UNMISS
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: AZANDE/ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 27 SEPTEMBER 2024, TAMBURA, SOUTH SUDAN
1. Various shots, residents of Tambura, Western Equatoria State, walking for peace
2. SOUNDBITE (Azande) Bella Patrick, Tambura resident:
“The happiness that we have today is because we are in peace. Peace is what we want, and it is here today in Tambura. That [is why] we want to be here and that is why we are happy, dancing, walking and smiling.
3. Various shots, residents of Tambura Western Equatoria State walking for peace
4. SOUNDBITE (Azande) Angelica Bayuku, Tambura resident:
“I grew old in war and again our children will grow old in war. How will they learn to become good leaders? There are no schools, there is nothing. Let us stop war. Let us tell our children to stop fighting each other. Let us make Tambura peaceful.”
5. Various shots, local artists performing
6. SOUNDBITE (Azande) Justin Kpokowo, Tambura resident:
“This is to show our happiness today as men and women. Peace is what we want, peace is what we want, even if you give us material things it will not be enough.”
7. Various shots, local artists performing
8. SOUNDBITE(Arabic) Mathew Mabenge, Tambura County Commissioner:
“Tambura used to be a lovely place, it used to be a respectful place, and a place for farming. What could be the reason for fighting? What could be the difference between the Azande and Balanda [tribes]? [I am urging you] let us bring ourselves together. Peace is coming and we can see peace coming and there will be peace in Tambura. [Please] distance yourselves from the politicians.”
9. Various shots, school children performing
10. SOUNDBITE(English) Farahi Nyamayaro, UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer:
“We are committed to our continued partnership with county authorities, [and] with the communities of Tambura to see that peace return to this place. It is our hope that sooner rather than later, we are able to build a durable peace where people are back to their communities, where children are back to their schools, where people are able to carry out their daily activities. We will continue partnering, we will continue to work alongside you, and we thank you for your commitment towards peace.”
11. Various shots, local artists performing.
A short walk for peace through the bright sunny morning was easy enough for the once warring residents of different communities in Tambura, in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State to join the rest of the world in celebrating the International Peace Day.
There was jubilation and ululation among the thousands of women, youth, and elderly as they walked, danced, and sang to the rhythms of the music of local artists, with lyrics sprinkled with messages of peace.
For some, it was rather stunning seeing themselves once again being together in such big numbers at Tambura Freedom Square. After all, conflict erupted here in 2021, and again as recently in April this year. Intercommunal violence resulted in mass displacement, many people losing their lives, properties and livelihoods being stolen, destroyed, or both.
The day-long event was organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in partnership with local authorities, with everyone keen to support local peace initiatives in the area.
SOUNDBITE (Azande) Bella Patrick, Tambura resident:
“The happiness that we have today is because we are in peace. Peace is what we want, and it is here today in Tambura. That [is why] we want to be here and that is why we are happy, dancing, walking and smiling.
Women’s representatives at the event called for their rights to be protected and respected: the dividends of peace.
SOUNDBITE (Azande) Angelica Bayuku, Tambura resident:
“I grew old in war and again our children will grow old in war. How will they learn to become good leaders? There are no schools, there is nothing. Let us stop war. Let us tell our children to stop fighting each other. Let us make Tambura peaceful.”
The mass gathering provided an opportunity for the most vulnerable people to express their thoughts on the importance of peace, unity and inclusivity.
SOUNDBITE (Azande) Justin Kpokowo, Tambura resident:
“This is to show our happiness today as men and women. Peace is what we want, peace is what we want, even if you give us material things it will not be enough.”
Local authority figures participating in the festivities called on local communities to embrace each other, peace and unity.
SOUNDBITE(Arabic) Mathew Mabenge, Tambura County Commissioner:
“Tambura used to be a lovely place, it used to be a respectful place, and a place for farming. What could be the reason for fighting? What could be the difference between the Azande and Balanda [tribes]? [I am urging you] let us bring ourselves together. Peace is coming and we can see peace coming and there will be peace in Tambura. [Please] distance yourselves from the politicians.”
The UN peacekeeping mission will continue to support peace efforts in Tambura to enable stability and development.
SOUNDBITE(English) Farahi Nyamayaro, UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer:
“We are committed to our continued partnership with county authorities, [and] with the communities of Tambura to see that peace return to this place. It is our hope that sooner rather than later, we are able to build a durable peace where people are back to their communities, where children are back to their schools, where people are able to carry out their daily activities. We will continue partnering, we will continue to work alongside you, and we thank you for your commitment towards peace.”
As the more formal parts of the event concluded, local artists and comedians took over the stage, delivering captivating dance rhythms infused lyrics asking everyone to stay united and refrain from further violence.
