South Sudanese Scholar Calls for Peace and Unity in South Sudan

(NEW YORK, USA )– A South Sudanese scholar based in the United States of America is calling on the country’s youth, community leaders, and political leaders to denounce violence and work toward lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.

Samuel Sebit Emmanuel, a final-year Master of Science student in Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention at Binghamton University in New York, says ongoing inter-communal violence, and political instability in some parts of the country is undermining efforts toward reconciliation and national reconstruction.

Speaking to Access Radio via WhatsApp on Tuesday afternoon, Emmanuel emphasized that preventing conflict and restoring peace would allow young people to focus on development and nation-building.

“The South Sudanese population consists of over 70 percent young people who are a valuable resource for the country’s development. I would really encourage that we, as youth, channel our energy toward peaceful coexistence, stay away from acts that destroy us and create division among ourselves. It is very important for us to direct our efforts toward peacebuilding, conflict resolution programs, and socio-economic activities that can bring positive change in South Sudan.”

Sebit said it is time for South Sudanese youth to unite, reject violence allegedly engineered by some politicians and reflect on the hard struggles that led to the country’s independence.

Despite challenges such as high unemployment rates, inflation, and political instability, Emmanuel urged citizens to build resilience and overcome economic difficulties through innovation and investment in key sectors such as agriculture.

“One key issue I have observed is that we rely heavily on the government to create jobs. Many South Sudanese graduate from different universities every year, increasing unemployment. We need to be innovative and creative, become self-reliant through business, accept voluntary service to gain experience, and engage in agricultural programs instead of depending solely on government jobs.”

Sebit further called on politicians to embrace dialogue and work closely with local communities to promote peace and stability.

“South Sudan needs contributions from all of us. Politicians should sit with communities for dialogue instead of disintegrating them. They should come down to the people, cooperate with them, contribute toward development in their constituencies, and avoid dividing people along ethnic lines. Instead, they must work for peace and unity.”

He concluded by urging South Sudanese citizens to move away from hatred and division and instead promote peaceful coexistence while contributing to building a better society for all.