Diaspora Unity for Peace Conference–FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3 min readDiaspora Unity for Peace Conference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Reuben Garang, garangmayen@yahoo.com
Bill Andress BillAndress@ureach.com
October 5, 2015 (SSB) — On Sept 19, 2015, the Coalition of Advocates for South Sudan (CASS) conducted a conference seeking to unite the North American Diaspora for a peaceful South Sudan. A capacity group of 300 community leaders came to Des Moines, IA for the conference.
The conference was different in that it brought together South Sudanese from different political and ethnic backgrounds during a time when the Civil War has eroded social fabrics and mutual trust among the people. The conference was well attended by leaders of community and regional organizations representing people from all the states of South Sudan.
The conference began with presentations from political, religious, and civic leaders some of whom came from South Sudan. Among these were: Rt. Rev. Peter Gai who is Chairman of the South Sudan Council of Churches; Chara Nyaura (Executive Director) and James Atem Tuor of South Sudan’s Committee for National Peace, Healing and Reconciliation. Note: Rev. Peter was ill so Bill Andress, CASS, spoke in his stead. Rev. Peter addressed the group briefly in the afternoon.
Mignon Cardentey representing Ambassador Donald Booth, President Obama’s Special Envoy to South Sudan brought a letter and video in which Amb. Booth underscored White House commitment to support CASS members on their endeavor of promoting peace and uniting the Diaspora for a peaceful South Sudan. See:
https://vimeo.com/vpu/review/139581521/85503d9411
Arek Deng of the Luol Deng foundation and Sarah Rial of the Global Partnership for Peace in South Sudan urged South Sudanese to embrace each other as people of one nation.
These messages of peace, reconciliation, justice and forgiveness were echoed by political leaders including: Dr. Majak D`Agoot, Amb. Baak. V. Wol and Amb. Miyoung Kuon, Hon. Reath Tang and Ladu Gubek.
Following the presentations, the attendees broke up into groups and responded to the following questions:
- What is our Vision for South Sudan?
- What must be done to achieve that vision? And,
- Are we willing to work together to make peace a reality and what practical and prioritized actions we need to take?
Despite differences people had before the conference, the discussions were respectful and accommodated different views and opinion. Consensus was reached on responses to the questions. A significant step in uniting the diaspora was achieved by these 300 leaders who worked together. The people of South Sudan were well served by those who attended. All gave up a day and many travelled long distances from the U.S. and Canada to attend. Well Done and Thank You.
A detailed report will be provided later which will provide the responses to the questions and address the way forward. CASS and partner organizations continue to work together to bring peace and justice to the people of South Sudan.
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Coalition of Advocates for South Sudan, a coalition of over 20 South Sudanese civil society organizations, seeks to establish a just and lasting peace in South Sudan.
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