Yei Women Leader Appeals for Peace Dialogue to End Civilian Suffering

(YEI, SOUTH SUDAN) – The Chairlady of Yei County Women Association has appealed to both government and opposition forces and politicians operating in the area to return to peace dialogue, end hostilities and embrace peaceful means of resolving their differences in order to end the suffering of ordinary citizens.

Mama Alice Siyama said peace and stability in Yei and surrounding areas would enable citizens to participate in reconciliation, peacebuilding, agriculture, trade, free movement and other socio-economic activities.

“I am calling on the government and our children in the bush that we need peace in Yei. If there is peace, people will travel by road instead of air transport. Our people in Yei have suffered and we need peace for all,” Siyama said.

She added: “My message to our children in the bush is that your mothers are suffering and enough is enough. Let us dialogue and end this suffering on the people of Yei.”

Siyama also called on citizens to unite for peace, unity, and peaceful coexistence for the benefit of the people of Yei and South Sudan.

“There is no development in the country because there is war. We have no good roads, no clean water, no good schools, and no health centers. As women, we are tired of war,” she said.

“We need the government and the opposition to unite and work for peace. Peace can only be achieved if we all agree to end the war as South Sudanese rather than waiting for outsiders to solve our problems,” she added.

Yei River County has experienced recurring insecurity since the outbreak of conflict in 2016.