Activists call for unity to overcome tribal divisions at Juba peace conference

Activists, community leaders and participants at a peace conference in Juba have called on South Sudanese to unite and take collective action to address tribal and ethnic divisions undermining peace and national cohesion.

The conference, held under the theme “Beyond Our Camps, Bridging Our Future,” brought together community leaders, faith representatives, civil society actors, policymakers and young people to discuss shared values and ways to strengthen peacebuilding.

Speaking at the conference, former lawmaker James Kok Ruea criticised corruption and tribal divisions, saying they were preventing South Sudan from benefiting from its abundant natural resources.

“We plunder our own country through corruption. We divide ourselves along tribal and ethnic lines, and then we turn against one another,” Ruea said.

He called on South Sudanese to recognise their shared identity and build national unity, saying the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence should serve as a foundation for a united nation.

Ruea also questioned why the country continued to struggle despite its natural resources, urging citizens to work together to improve leadership and governance.

Meanwhile, activist Jackline Nasiwa said South Sudanese communities continued to suffer the consequences of decades of conflict despite successive peace agreements and national commitments.

Nasiwa traced the country’s recurring violence to a long history of conflict passed down through generations, arguing that weak implementation of peace agreements had undermined efforts to achieve lasting stability.

“Despite peace agreements and national commitments that we have had, implementation remains weak. Violence continues in many communities across the country, and political mistrust becomes a major obstacle to lasting peace,” she said.

She called for stronger commitment from political leaders and citizens to implement peace agreements and address the underlying causes of conflict.

Tito Mawien Makuei, chairperson of the University of Juba Law Students’ Association, urged South Sudanese to become ambassadors of peace in their communities.

He said national progress depended on unity, peace and mutual understanding, particularly as the country faced economic challenges and political difficulties.

“For this country to go ahead, we must be one people, one nation,” Makuei said, urging young people to take responsibility for promoting peaceful coexistence.

The conference concluded with a call for South Sudanese to take shared responsibility for peacebuilding, strengthen cooperation across communities and reject divisions based on tribal and ethnic identity.

Participants emphasised the importance of translating calls for unity into practical action to help build a more peaceful and cohesive society.