Ateny says cultural exchange can break ethnic barriers and promote peace

Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services Ateny Wek Ateny says cultural exchange can help break ethnic barriers and promote peaceful coexistence among communities in South Sudan.

Speaking during the opening of the sixth edition of the Derik Cultural Festival at the University of Juba on Saturday, November 7, Ateny said people develop a sense of belonging and appreciation for one another when they learn and participate in different cultural practices.

He said showcasing another community’s language, music and dances can help people cross cultural boundaries and strengthen national unity.

“When we are dancing, we cross the barriers, the cultural barriers. If we open our borders, our boundaries, the ethnic and cultural boundaries for everyone to cross, you will find yourself part of them and they are part of you. And that can quickly bring peace to our communities,” Ateny said.

The minister said he was personally committed to cultural promotion, recalling his involvement in a South Sudanese cultural group in London during the 1990s, where he trained participants in traditional Dinka dances and other cultural performances.

He said the group performed dances from different communities, including the Dinka, Shilluk and Latuko, describing the experience as an example of how cultural expression can bring people together across ethnic backgrounds.

Ateny also praised the late Derik Alfred, whom he said he had known since 1979 when Alfred was teaching at a primary school in Aweil, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.

He described Alfred as someone who contributed to cultural promotion and whose vision has grown into the annual festival.

The minister said culture distinguishes human societies and that music and drama serve as important vehicles for preserving and passing cultural heritage to younger generations.

The sixth edition of the Derik Cultural Festival is being held under the theme “Advancing Peace Through Culture” and runs until November 14. It brings together cultural groups, artists, poets and other participants to promote cultural diversity, unity and peaceful coexistence.

The festival honours the memory of the late Derik Alfred, who dedicated his life to promoting culture in Sudan and South Sudan.