By Hou Akot Hou
Governor of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State has called for calm following an emergency meeting he held with members of his cabinet, including commissioners from the five counties.
This meeting was convened in response to the destruction caused by angry youth who vandalized shops and killed some Sudanese nationals.
Minister of Information and Communication, Zechariah Garang Lual, stated that they agreed to form a committee to investigate all damages incurred by the Sudanese so that businesses can resume.
Lual mentioned that prayers were held in local churches, where cabinet members were assigned to lead prayers in major churches, calling for peace and reconciliation between Sudanese and South Sudanese communities.
“We held the meeting on Saturday after Governor Simon Uber got involved in diffusing the tensions in Aweil market and Wadwil, where the vandalism and killings occurred. We agreed to embrace peace with our brothers and sisters from Sudan. These individuals are innocent and should not suffer due to the wrongdoings of warlords in Sudan,” said Lual.
He emphasized the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence and urged angry youth to refrain from escalating tensions and instead embrace peace.
On Saturday, Governor Simon Uber held a press conference, urging the public to stop hostilities against Sudanese traders.
“It is our collective responsibility to provide protection, comfort, and a conducive environment for our Sudanese brothers and sisters. They deserve our support and sympathy within the state. We must also extend the same support to those who choose to invest and do business here. I urge our youth to refrain from taking the law into their own hands; acts of retaliation, violence, and discrimination have no place in our society.”
Uber also highlighted the need for Sudanese nationals to show unity, noting that both Sudan and South Sudan share many commonalities.
“To our brothers and sisters from Sudan who have chosen Northern Bahr El Gazal State as their home, I assure you that your safety is guaranteed. Northern Bahr El Gazal State is your home. The people here are law-abiding citizens. I urge the people of Northern Bahr El Gazal to uphold their historical values of generosity, hospitality, peace, and harmony. Despite this unfortunate incident, we should not discriminate against anyone based on race, religion, or nationality. In conclusion, I want to assure the general public that the situation is calm,” he concluded.
As shops remain closed due to the imposed curfews, prices in the markets are rising, and there is uncertainty about when the curfew will be lifted or if the Sudanese traders, who are key players in the markets, will be able to return to their vandalized shops.