By Bida Elly David
South Sudan’s renowned musician has appealed to warring parties, communities, cattle keepers to put their differences aside and work towards peaceful co-existence.
Speaking to No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper yesterday, John Bagara, a renowned national vocalist dedicated to singing peace promoting songs said that South Sudan is a country gifted with a variety of natural resources that could benefit the citizens if people work in harmony.
“Our neighbouring countries are now underrating us due to the continuous division among us. South Sudan has got many natural resources that require harmony for exploitation but if we remain divided, we are paving ways for our enemies to mock us and benefit from our minerals indirectly,” he said.
He called on young people especially the youth to engage in income generating businesses instead of being used as tools to promote violence that would segment the community apart.
John urged musicians all over the country to compose peace promoting songs that would change the country and avoid constituting songs that create division, hatred and revenge among people.
“I call on young people especially the youth to engage themselves in income generating businesses instead of being used as tools to promote violence that would tear apart the community. My fellow musicians should compose peace promoting songs that will act as a channel of change to the country and avoid constituting songs that create division, hatred and revenge to people,” John said.
Furthermore, John pointed out that the cumulative conflicts and violence trending in some parts of the country as well as the inter-communal fights was due to lack of trust, knowledge and unity.
John urged the citizens, government and their opponents to put their differences aside and invest in many efforts towards practicing values that would create happiness to all and boost economic development that would improve every one’s standard of living.
In conclusion, John appreciated the efforts that President Salva Kiir was making towards bringing peace to the country although some people were trying to turn deaf ears to his commitments.
“I thank the President of the Republic of South Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit for his efforts of ensuring that peace prevails in the country although some people turned deaf ears towards his struggle,” he said.