South Sudan envoy urges citizens to shun tribalism

July 12, 2014 (KAMPALA) – South Sudan’s ambassador to Uganda, Samuel Luate, has warned citizens against tribalism, saying it breeds disunity and conflict in the country.

South Sudan’s ambassador to Uganda Samuel Luate speaks to reporters in Kampala February 3, 2014 (Photo: Moses Lomayat)

The envoy’s remarks came as hundreds of South Sudanese turned out to celebrate the country’s third independence anniversary in the Ugandan capital, Kampala.

“I personally appreciated President Yoweri Museveni for the great help he did to us. It is his country (Uganda) that opened many gates and doors to us. And now president Museveni celebrated the occasion with the people in South Sudan that was great love for our people,” said Luate.

The ambassador told those in attendance to put aside their differences and focus on how to develop the nation, which experienced several years of civil war.

“This is not our time to kill ourselves, but time to build our nation and do away with division among us,” he said.

Ambassador Luate says Juba government is very clear in the position of peace, and urging their rival to do the same rather than taking power by forces.

“Now the position of the government is very clear that we have to negotiate with our brothers who took up arms against the government for one reason or another but it was not right procedure to get power by rebellion,” added ambassador Lwate.

Peace and unity, he said, were essential in nation building processes and that any form of division could stir up conflicts similar to what the country currently faces.

“I urge every South Sudanese to work as an envoy for peace in the country,” the ambassador said. “They should put their tribe apart and put the country as the tribe for the love of South Sudan.”

SEPARATE CELEBRATION

Meanwhile, the Nuer community held a separate celebration claiming they were not invited for the one organised by the ambassador.

John Wiyual, a Presbyterian Church pastor, said the occasion was well marked with messages for love and peace among citizens. He however said people needed to be sensitised on the proposed federal system of governance.

(ST)