By Chol D. Johnson
Members of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) have signed the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), reaffirming their commitment to promoting lasting peace in South Sudan.
The signing took place in Juba following the second session of the Leaders Education Program organized by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a South Korea-based peace organization, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The session was held under the theme: “Leaders Who Love People, Leaders Who Build Peace.”
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Bona Deng Lawrence, Chairperson of the TNLA Committee on Peace and Reconciliation, said members signed the declaration individually as a sign of personal and institutional commitment.
“The training today was followed by the signing of a document in support of the DPCW,” Deng said. “By signing, we commit ourselves to the principles of this declaration and to promoting peace in our country.”
He explained that the Leaders Education Program was aimed at equipping lawmakers with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote peacebuilding initiatives nationwide.
According to Deng, the committee intends to strengthen its role in policy-making and legislative processes to ensure that peace-oriented laws are enacted by Parliament.
“As legislators, we are working hard to address issues related to policy-making at the national level to support peace efforts,” he said. “We will also cooperate with relevant institutions to ensure that peace education is incorporated into the national curriculum.”
Deng emphasized that peace should go beyond formal agreements and become a shared value among citizens.
“Peace is not only an agreement signed on paper, but a peace that lives within us as South Sudanese,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Cassy Jin, Director General of the International Law Department at HWPL, commended the committee for its dedication to serving the people of South Sudan.
“We deeply appreciate the commitment of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee to continue dedicating their service to the people of South Sudan,” she said.
Cassy encouraged unity and collective action in overcoming challenges facing the country, calling for leaders and citizens alike to work together in building sustainable peace.
“Let our hearts and minds come together as one, inclusive of our shared history and home,” she said. “The peace we achieve today will serve generations to come.”