(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents of Yei River County in Central Equatoria State are calling for security and peaceful celebrations during the Christmas and New Year period. They say calm celebrations help build trust, unity and reconciliation in the community, especially after years of insecurity.
People living in different parts of Yei town told Access Radio® that peace during the festive season allows families and neighbours to come together. They also asked the government to improve security and protect civilians in their homes and neighbourhoods.
Jackline Moriba, a resident of Hai Lebben area, said peaceful celebrations can help bring people closer and support development. She linked the Christmas season to a message of peace and responsibility:
“Let the rebirth of Jesus bring peace and unity in our hearts. We call on the government to ensure security and protection of residents in their own houses, and my call to the people of Yei is to maintain peaceful coexistence.”
Emmanuel Remo, a resident of Lomuku One area, urged families to show love and avoid violence during the holidays. He said Christmas should be a time of peace at home and with neighbours:
“Let all of us ensure we celebrate the Christmas season in peace without domestic violence at our homes or with our neighbours.”
Another resident, Ambros Liberty, called on the public to work for peace and reconciliation. He said the end of the year should give people new hope to live together peacefully.
“Let the Christmas and New Year bring us renewed hope for peace and reconciliation with one another.”
Some residents also raised concerns about spending during the festive period. Singer Doctor Ambilifaya from Jigonomi area advised families not to spend too much money on food and clothes. He said January often comes with financial challenges, which can create stress in households.
“Let us not overspend our financial resources on feeding or buying clothes. Let us welcome Christmas Day and the New Year as any other normal day in peace with one another, and remember the month of January which comes with financial difficulties.”
Ambilifaya also appealed to the government to strengthen the protection of civilians in residential areas. Other residents agreed that better security would allow people in Yei to celebrate freely and without fear.
Residents say peaceful celebrations can help set a positive tone for the new year.
Summary of main community messages
| Issue raised | Main message from residents |
|---|---|
| Security | Government urged to protect civilians in homes and neighbourhoods |
| Peace | Residents call for calm and unity during Christmas and New Year |
| Domestic violence | Families urged to avoid violence and show love |
| Reconciliation | Community encouraged to forgive and live together peacefully |
| Spending | Households advised not to overspend during festivities |
Voices from Yei
| Resident | Area | Main message |
|---|---|---|
| Jackline Moriba | Hai Lebben | Peaceful celebrations and government protection |
| Emmanuel Remo | Lomuku One | No domestic violence during holidays |
| Ambros Liberty | Yei Town | Hope for peace and reconciliation |
| Singer Doctor Ambilifaya | Jigonomi | Responsible spending and civilian protection |
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