(TEREKEKA COUNTY) – Thousands of citizens and dignitaries gathered in Terekeka on 19 September 2025 to mark the International Day of Peace with a strong call to reject violence and embrace unity.
The colourful event was led by Central Equatoria State Governor, Lieutenant General Rabi Mujung Emmanuel.
Speaking under the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful South Sudan,” Governor Mujung called on community leaders, elders, youth, women and civil society groups to support dialogue and reconciliation at the grassroots level. He stressed that traditional conflict-resolution methods remain important for addressing disputes within communities.
The Governor repeated the message of President Salva Kiir, who he said has repeatedly called for dialogue instead of force and reconciliation in place of division. Mujung urged South Sudanese to put aside conflict and choose peace as the only path to development.
Several senior officials addressed the gathering.
The Right Honourable Isaac Aloro Lomodi and State Minister of Peace Building, Jacob Aligo Lo-Ladu, urged citizens to resolve grievances without resorting to violence.
Ambassador George Aggrey of R-JMEC and Hon. Pia Philip of the national Ministry of Peace Building reaffirmed their support for ongoing peace efforts. Dr Emmanuel Loku pledged to work towards building unity and stability in Terekeka.
Civil society voices also spoke out. Bush Buse, representing the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI), highlighted how the root causes of conflict are often linked to climate change, especially water scarcity.
He encouraged investment in reservoirs, vocational training, and mobile education centres to help young people avoid falling into criminal activities.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was represented by Hiroko Hirahara, who urged citizens to put peace above war, reminding them that stability is vital for progress.
The commemoration was not only about speeches. Traditional Mundari dance and wrestling competitions added colour to the event.
Messages from Terekeka Peace Day 2025
| Speaker/Group | Main Message |
|---|---|
| Gov. Rabi Mujung | Use dialogue and reconciliation at grassroots |
| President Salva Kiir (echoed) | Choose dialogue over force |
| Hon. Isaac Aloro & Hon. Jacob Aligo | Reject violence, solve grievances peacefully |
| Amb. George Aggrey (R-JMEC) | Support for peace efforts |
| Hon. Pia Philip | Ministry commitment to peace building |
| Dr Emmanuel Loku | Pledged to unite Terekeka |
| Bush Buse (WPDI) | Address water scarcity, invest in education and youth |
| Hiroko Hirahara (UNMISS) | Prioritise peace over war |
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