By Philip Buda Ladu/UN
United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Thursday, commemorated the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, under the theme, “Peace Begins with Me.”
The event saw plea from a young South Sudanese girl, for an end to conflict, emphasizing the collective responsibility for peace in a nation still grappling with instability.
A ten-year-old, Aluel Mochnom Wuor, a pupil from City View Academy, moved guests at the ceremony with her emotional address.
Her moving poem, “In South Sudan where dust meets sky, the children watch the years go by,” resonated deeply with attendees as she spoke from the heart about the dreams of children overshadowed by war.
“We are the future. Hear our voices, a better world is ours to see. Don’t let our dreams die or fall. Give peace to one, give peace to all,” Wuor implored, urging leaders to “take a stand against war” and let “love and kindness light their way.”
Her powerful words underscored the event’s theme, promoting the idea that every individual’s action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement for peace.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Akuei Bona Malwal, representing the government of South Sudan at the event echoed that sentiment, “Peace Begins with Me” is really appropriate.
“Especially considering what is going on in the world, and if we actually embraced that theme, Peace Begins with Me, perhaps the world would be a better place,” he said.
He joined other participants in acknowledging the bravery and dedication of the 18,000 uniformed and civilian peacekeepers operating in challenging and often perilous conditions to support South Sudan’s transition from conflict to peace.
Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Political), Guang Cong, led a tribute, to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
A solemn wreath-laying ceremony and the lowering of the United Nations and South Sudan flags to half-mast honored fallen peacekeepers.
“Today, we remember our own colleagues serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, who sadly passed away in the last year. We express our deep condolences to their families. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy inspires us to continue all efforts in the pursuit of peace,” said DSRSG, Guang Cong.
Despite the ongoing challenges, including a deteriorating political and security situation, military confrontations, and inter-communal conflict, Guang Cong expressed inspiration from the “extraordinary patience, resilience, and determination” of the South Sudanese people.
He reaffirmed UNMISS’s role as an impartial partner, urging parties to the peace agreement to resolve tensions through dialogue, build trust, secure a cessation of hostilities, and fully implement the peace agreement.
Prior to the official ceremony, a new memorial was unveiled to honor the extraordinary efforts of uniformed personnel who tirelessly protect civilians and deter violence across the country, often at the cost of their lives.
UNMISS Force Commander, Lieutenant-General Mohan Subramanian, remarked, “This United Nations flag in front of the Force Headquarters from today will not fly by the wind that breezes through but by the last breath of these valiant brave hearts.”
The day concluded with a message from peacekeepers to the people they serve.
“We thank you for your unwavering support,” said Guang Cong. “We stand with you at this difficult time as you persevere against all odds to secure the better future that you deserve, because peace begins with me, with you, with all of us.”
The commemoration, served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by peacekeepers and the urgent need for lasting peace in South Sudan.