Dr. Francis Mading Deng: Diversity For Peacefull S.Sudan

JUBA, 29 July 2011– Renowned South Sudanese author, scholar and advocate for international peace Dr. Francis Deng has urged his compatriots to recognize and manage their diversity so as to build a strong and vibrant state.
Dr. Deng who is the Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General on the Prevention of Genocide made this call yesterday evening when he delivered a public lecture on the challenges of identity and nationhood.
He said that diversity is a global phenomenon which successful nations have endeavoured to manage so as to promote a sense of common belonging, dignity and respect. He explained that the independence of South Sudan has been brought about by the lack of effective diversity management mechanisms by successive governments in the North. He said that if the new nation of South Sudan wants to build a strong and inclusive state, it should not repeat the same mistakes.

Dr. Deng said that diversity though a challenge can be harnessed for the benefit of the country. He said that ethnic homogeneity is not necessarily a recipe for peace and national unity. He cited the case of Somalia which has a homogeneous society but has been torn apart by clan differences.
“South Sudan being one of the countries in Africa least affected by modernity should use its diverse cultural values for socio-economic development”, he said. Dr. Deng also said that South Sudan struggled for so long on the basis of the principles of democracy and good governance. He called on the leaders to respect and build these ideals.
He also called on the international community, which had played a great role in bringing peace in Sudan, to also help in consolidating peace in the country by resolving the outstanding issues and deal with the socio-economic consequences of war which spanned half a century.
“The swift acceptance of South Sudan by the international community demonstrates that the whole world recognizes the justice and intimacy of the cause of the struggle of the people of South Sudan”, he said. He also said that it shows appreciation of the way the Government of South Sudan handled the general elections, the referendum and its outcome.
The public lecture, which was organized by the Human Rights Office of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), was delivered at the New Sudan Hotel in Juba.