Sunday de John: Easter message to fellow citizens of South Sudan
Emmanuel Sunday de John
Dr Sunday de John (M.D), Nairobi, Kenya
Saturday, April 8, 2023 (PW) — Dear compatriots, it is a privilege to address you on this special occasion of Easter, a time of renewal, rebirth, and hope. As chairman of the South Sudan United Front Progressive (SSUF/P), I appreciate the opportunity to discuss the significance of this celebration and its relevance to our nation and the globe.
Easter is a Christian holiday commemorating Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the grave. It is a time for Christians to celebrate their faith in God’s ability to conquer mortality and bring new life. Easter’s message transcends religious boundaries to speak to the universal human experience of suffering, sacrifice, and redemption.
We are all too familiar with the agony of war, displacement, and division in South Sudan. Decades of violence, poverty, and political turmoil have left profound psychological wounds on our national psyche. Despite these obstacles, we have witnessed courage, compassion, and resiliency that remind us of the human spirit’s capacity for transformation and renewal.
As we celebrate Easter this year, I encourage everyone to reflect on the holiday’s core values of love, forgiveness, and unity. We must recognise that our country’s path to peace and prosperity requires us to put aside our differences and work towards a common objective.
At SSUF/P, we believe empowering our people through education, healthcare, and economic development is the key to creating a better South Sudan. In addition, we believe that accountability, transparency, and good governance are fundamental pillars of a democratic society.
Nonetheless, attaining these objectives requires more than policy solutions; it requires a mental shift and a commitment to fostering a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration. We must learn to listen to one another, seek common ground, and prioritise national interests over personal or tribal affiliations.
The Easter story is a potent illustration of what is possible when people join in a spirit of love and sacrifice. Jesus Christ’s crucifixion was a tragedy and a triumph, a symbol of hope and redemption that inspired his disciples to disseminate his message of peace and justice across the globe.
As South Sudanese, we can transcend our past and build a better future for ourselves and future generations. We can draw strength from our diversity, resilience, and shared humanity to construct a society that values justice, equality, and dignity for all.
But this will take some time, and we must do our part. We must reject the hatred, division, and violence that have afflicted our nation for far too long and adopt a new politics of dialogue, cooperation, and inclusion.
We must also remember those less fortunate than ourselves and extend them a hand of compassion and generosity. In the spirit of Easter, let us offer our support and solidarity to our neighbours, especially those contending with destitution, displacement, or illness.
On the same note, I wish you all a blessed and joyous Easter with peace, hope, and pleasure. Let us use this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to constructing a South Sudan that honours our diversity, respects our differences, and celebrates our shared humanity.
As chairman of SSUF/P, I am committed to achieving this vision, and I invite you all to join me on this voyage of transformation and revitalisation. Together, we can make South Sudan a place of peace, prosperity, and justice for all.
God bless you all and many thanks.
The author, Dr Sunday de John (M.D), is the chairman of the South Sudan United Front Progressive (SSUF/P), and can be reached via his email: Emmanuel Sunday de John Along <sundaydejohn4@gmail.com>
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