New Peace Centre opened in Bor, South Sudan

© UNMISS

MACH SAMUEL

The Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology in Bor has something new to take pride in: A newly-established Peace Centre, thanks to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), with support from the Republic of Korea.

“As we open this centre, South Sudan is entering a new era. Era of peace, tranquility and development,” Jonglei State Governor Philip Aguer told the gathering during the Centre’s official opening ceremony.

Built with funding from the Republic of Korea, the Centre, worth over 70,000 US dollar, is the first of its kind in Bor town, located in the Greater Jonglei region of South Sudan. The Centre will be used to consolidate peace and promote cohesion among the communities in the region.

At the opening ceremony, Governor Philip Aguer took the opportunity to appeal to the youth to stay away from divisive politics, saying the Centre would transition South Sudan from the era of conflict to peacefulness.

“We the politicians of South Sudan, some time we don’t look for solutions, some time we look for problems,” the governor candidly said. “I warned the youth not to follow the examples of the politicians,” Aguer added.

Meanwhile the UNMISS Head of Field Office Deborah Schein said with peace at everyone’s door, the UN mission will continue to strengthen efforts for peace and development.

She said the Peace Centre was a symbol of a new beginning and a constant symbol of hope that would pave the way for a better and prosperous future for the students of John Garang University, and all the people of Jonglei and South Sudan.

“It is time to intensify our efforts in pursuit of peace and reconciliation which, will pave the way for development.

The Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Prof. Robert Mayom said the Centre would help the University disseminate the content of the revitalized peace agreement.

“This year, the government and the opposition signed a revitalized peace agreement in Addis Ababa,” he said, adding, “I hope this Centre will play a great role in the dissemination of the peace messages to the citizens of South Sudan.”

Equipped with solar energy and a well-furnished conference hall, it is anticipated that the Centre will consolidate peace and foster inter-communal relations.

Korean Peacekeepers, currently undertaking various youth training programmes in the region, also donated medical supplies, scholastic materials and three motorcycles during the opening ceremony.

Being the first of its kind in Bor, the centre will serve as a catalyst for democratic political institutions to emphasize non-violent means of conflict resolution.