U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan calls for nine days of “Peace and Patriotism”

The U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan is calling for nine days of “peace and patriotism” as the country heads towards the 9th anniversary of the CPA next week.

Ambassador Page says the nine days are meant to promote peace and reconciliation among South Sudanese in the spirit of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that saw the end of 21 years of civil war in Sudan.

In her New Year message, Ambassador Page said she will stand with all South Sudanese from different backgrounds and affiliations to bring about peace.

‘’Now, 2014, is the time for South Sudan’s people to follow through with their own self-determination for peace,” she said.

“Together, we are determined for January 9th to once again mark a cessation of hostilities, an end to violence and an onset to peaceful beginnings throughout all of South Sudan,” she said.

Ambassador Page added that the people of South Sudan have suffered for too long in their quest for justice and equality.

She said the nine days of peace and patriotism will remind South Sudanese of the CPA which signified an end to decades of bloodshed.

At least 1,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands displaced in South Sudan in fighting between the army and forces loyal to former Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.

The conflict is entering its third week.

Delegations for the government and Mr. Machar in Addis Ababa are expected to call for a ceasefire and discuss ways to end the conflict.