By James innocent
Residents in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State have called on the religious leaders to revive the Inter-Church Peace Committee.
They cited that it remains a vital force for dialogue and reconciliation amid ongoing conflict and insecurity.
The appeal was made during a two-day peace-building meeting organized by Reconcile International, with funding from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The event, which began Tuesday afternoon, brought together more than 40 stakeholders, including religious leaders, civil society representatives, and local authorities.
Rev. Peter Tibi urged churches and civil society organizations to speak with one voice so that their message reaches President Salva Kiir, especially on the need to end the country’s ongoing conflicts.
He warned that the presence of fragmented armed groups makes dialogue more challenging and prolongs civilian suffering.
Former Bishop of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) Diocese of Yei, Hillary Adeba, described the church as “the voice of hope” for the nation. He appealed for the immediate resumption of the inter-religious peace committee to help address insecurity, including abductions, killings, and road ambushes.
“I am urging all religious leaders to come together and resume the inter-church committee to mitigate the challenges facing our county,” Adeba said.
He also called on armed groups to respect civilian lives, stressing that violence is not a path to peace or development.
Senior citizen Juma David Augustine emphasized that the religious voice is most effective when grounded in truth and neutrality, allowing leaders from opposing sides to listen and respond.
He further encouraged civil society to champion citizens’ rights as South Sudan prepares for the 2026 elections.