Nurturing a Culture of Peace in South Sudan: A Call for Collective Responsibility
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Pyramid Hotel & Radisson Blu Hotel, Nimule Street, Hai Malakal, Juba City, South Sudan
By Tito Tong John, Nairobi Kenya
Friday, 29 December 2023 (PW) — In the heart of South Sudan lies the essence of its prosperity—the people. As a Chinese proverb wisely states, the radiance within a person’s soul begets beauty, harmony, order, and ultimately, peace within a nation. Reflecting on the years past and present, marked by conflict, it becomes imperative to redirect our collective efforts toward building a nation where harmony prevails, where every citizen can coexist in unity.
In a time remembered for its struggles, notably the resolution of conflicts among our leaders, the dream of a harmonious nation seems to slip further away. Yet, I firmly believe in the possibility of creating a beautiful South Sudan, one that requires the active involvement and cooperation of every individual. The responsibility to respect lives and take actions to forge such a nation rests upon each of us.
Understanding that peace is not merely the absence of war, but a holistic concept encompassing justice, equal rights, and equal opportunities, is the first step. War, draining both human and financial resources, proves ineffective in resolving conflicts. Achieving peace demands a concerted effort involving individual and communal participation. We are part of one human family, bound by the duty to coexist and celebrate our differences.
Recognizing the universal entitlement to human rights, we must acknowledge that every person, regardless of their location or socio-economic status, deserves dignity and equal protection before the law. The principles that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” and “everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the security of person” must resonate deeply within us. By internalizing these values, South Sudan can pave the way for a nation where equality prevails.
A crucial aspect of building a peaceful nation involves questioning the impact of our actions on others. Each purchase, decision, or action we undertake should be scrutinized for its broader implications, fostering a conscientious and responsible citizenry.
Youth and elders alike bear the significant responsibility of effecting change. Peace and security, enduring concerns in South Sudan, necessitate a paradigm shift. While conflict and weapons persist, signaling our collective insecurity, the call for change echoes louder. It is our shared responsibility to share knowledge, advocate for peace, and actively work towards the envisioned secure and harmonious nation.
Knowledge empowers but also imposes responsibility. The responsibility to share insights on peace and security issues with our communities becomes imperative. Taking that first step in learning about these issues must be coupled with an unwavering commitment to actively contribute to the realization of a peaceful South Sudan.
Our inalienable right to choose is the cornerstone upon which our governance rests. It is our collective will, as individuals, to strive for peace. Holding our government accountable for the maintenance of peace requires a continuous effort to raise awareness and consciousness through education.
In conclusion, we must redefine security in terms of human and environmental needs, moving away from a militarized definition that perpetuates violence. Small actions, even the seemingly insignificant, can collectively make a substantial difference. As the youth, endowed with both challenges and potentials, we stand at the forefront of shaping a just and secure nation for all.
The author, Tito Tong, holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya, and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources Management at the same institution. Having worked with various radio institutions under the Catholic Radio Network in South Sudan, he now contributes opinion pieces to the Dawn News Paper regularly. For further contact, reach him at tongkhamisa446@gmail.com.
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