The President emphasized that his administration remains dedicated to steering the country towards unity, reconciliation, and national healing

By Emmanuel Mandella

President Salva Kiir has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in South Sudan, vowing that the country must never return to war.

Speaking on Wednesday during a high-level meeting with church leaders at the State House, President Kiir emphasized that his administration remains dedicated to steering South Sudan towards unity, reconciliation, and national healing.

“We have suffered enough. The time for war is over, and our focus must now be on building a peaceful and prosperous nation,” President Kiir stated, urging all stakeholders to uphold the spirit of the revitalized peace agreement.

The meeting was attended by top clerics, including Archbishop Dr. Justin Badi Arama, the Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, who called on both the government and opposition forces to embrace peace for the greater good of the country.

“Peace is not the responsibility of the government alone. It is a collective duty. We, as the church, will continue to engage all parties to prioritize peace as the number one agenda,” Archbishop Badi said.

The religious leaders further appealed to armed groups to renounce violence and embrace dialogue, warning that continued conflict would only plunge the country into further turmoil.

In a symbolic display of unity, President Kiir and the church leaders joined hands in prayer, calling for peace, national harmony, and a renewed sense of brotherhood among South Sudanese citizens.

With the country still facing challenges in implementing the peace agreement, the meeting served as a reminder that achieving sustainable stability requires joint effort from political leaders, religious institutions, and the people at large.

As South Sudan continues its journey, all eyes remain on the government’s next steps in ensuring that the promise of peace is transformed into tangible actions that benefit every citizen.

“Peace is not the responsibility of the government alone. It is a collective duty. We, as the church, will continue to engage all parties to prioritize peace as the number one agenda,” Archbishop Dr. Justin Badi Arama, the Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan.