Cry for Peace: South Sudan Independence Anniversary rekindles hope among refugees

Uganda Hosts a Chunk, almost one million South Sudanese refugees with West Nile hosting the vast majority. (Credit: Jabe Janet Emmanuel)

ARUA - Amidst the apparent deadlock following episodes of violence in 2013 and 2016 Violence, the South Sudanese refugees who now call Uganda a home have never shied away from celebrating their Independence.

Though violence that erupted between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and his Vice Riek Machar has kept them away from home, with a large population languishing in refugee settlements in West Nile, the South Sudanese Refugees now seeking refuge in Uganda Continue to use the occasion to remind their leaders at home that, attainment of Independence from the Sudan should not be in vain.

“The liberation struggle was earned through the help of God, that is why our leaders have to love our country and its citizens” emphasises Josephine Gok Majok, a South Sudanese now living in Arua City.

Every year, the refugees exhibit resilience in marking the Independence Day away from home, as an opportunity to amplify their Voices for peace.

Amakou Manyang, an urban refugee in Arua City challenges the South Sudanese to stop fighting for permanent peace to prevail in the country.

According to Victor Aping Chingoth, another urban refugee in Arua City, South Sudanese people should set aside their tribal differences to rebuild the country.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, but celebrations were cut short Just 2 years later the first conflict was on 15th December 2013, then followed by the July 9th, 2016 Violence.

These have so far claimed an estimated 400.000 South Sudanese and Pushed out of the country 2.2 million refugees leaving 2.2 million Internally displaced for over a decade.

Uganda Hosts a Chunk, almost one million South Sudanese refugees with West Nile hosting the vast majority.

Source: https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/cry-for-peace-south-sudan-independence-annive-NV_191874