PHOTO CREDITS: James Innocent - Yei International Peace Day Commemoration (21 September 2025)
(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Yei River County joined the world in commemorating International Peace Day on Sunday with a strong call for unity, reconciliation and lasting stability.
The ceremony at Yei Freedom Square brought together hundreds of residents, government representatives, youth leaders, civil society organisations and development partners.
Speaking on behalf of County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme, County Executive Director Hillary John Konga reminded citizens that peace requires more than symbolic events.
He noted that while people celebrate Independence Day as a victory of liberation, true freedom can only be secured through the daily practice of sustainable peace.
The event focused attention on the need to end repeated cycles of violence that continue to disrupt communities across South Sudan. Leaders and participants alike called on both citizens and institutions to take responsibility for shaping a peaceful future.
Youth leaders placed particular emphasis on development as a foundation for stability.
Gaga Frank, of the Yei River County Youth Association, urged the government to invest in basic services that touch lives at the grassroots. He stressed that a country without proper roads, schools, health centres and clean water cannot truly claim independence. Frank argued that when services reach local villages, citizens will feel the presence and protection of the state.
Civil society organisations repeated this message while stressing the challenges they face.
Maneno Grace, a community leader, condemned recent incidents where humanitarian workers had been abducted while providing aid to vulnerable groups. She said such attacks only weaken the trust needed to build peace.
Grace further urged communities to welcome South Sudanese refugees returning from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. She encouraged citizens to act as peace ambassadors within their own neighbourhoods, calling reconciliation essential to prevent divisions from taking root again.
Yei International Peace Day Commemoration (21 September 2025)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Yei Freedom Square, Yei River County |
| Occasion | International Peace Day 2025 |
| Main Theme | Unity, reconciliation and sustainable peace |
| Key Officials | Hillary John Konga (Executive Director, on behalf of Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme) |
| Youth Voice | Gaga Frank (Yei River County Youth Association) called for more infrastructure and essential services |
| Civil Society Voice | Maneno Grace condemned abductions of aid workers, urged reconciliation and support for returning refugees |
| Main Concerns Raised | Lack of infrastructure, insecurity, abduction of humanitarian workers |
| Key Appeals | Investment in roads, schools, health facilities and clean water, grassroots reconciliation, inclusive peace efforts |
| Community Presence | Residents, government officials, youth, civil society groups and development partners |
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