Govt. urged to invest in cultures to enhance unity
People without their culture are not people, and a country without its culture is not a country as well, said King Atoroba Peni Rikito
By Emmanuel Mandela
The King of the Azande Kingdom, His Majesty Atoroba Peni Rikito, has called on the government to support cultural activities to strengthen unity and preserve national identity.
He said this can be done by allocating more fund to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to able to conduct it activities.
Speaking during the vibrant celebration of the Pojulu Cultural Festival in Juba on Saturday, King Atoroba emphasized the vital role of culture in peace building and nationhood.
“I am asking our government that they should help the Minister of Culture, so that this type of cultural festival practice should be supported to unite the community of South Sudan,” the Azande monarch declared.
The Pojulu community, one of the Bari language speakers in Central Equatoria State, showcased rich traditional dances, food, music, and attire during the festival, attracting hundreds of participants from various communities, including representatives from the Azande Kingdom of Western Equatoria State.
The Azande King lauded the event as a symbol of national unity and cultural pride which he believes can easily strengthen the peace in the country.
“People without their culture are not people, and a country without its culture is not a country as well,” King Atoroba stressed.
“If it was money that would bring people here, how much would you have made? There are things we can start that can bring us money in the future. Cultural celebrations are part of that,” he added.
His Majesty also extended gratitude to Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro the South Sudan National Minister of cabinets’ affairs and a member of the Pojulu community, for his support towards such initiatives and called on other leaders to follow suit.
He urged South Sudanese youth to be proactive in initiating cultural activities that promote peace, identity, and togetherness.
“These practices need to happen across South Sudan. The youth must take the lead in preserving our cultural heritage and using it to bring unity.”
The Azande King didn’t shy away from addressing international organizations, calling on UNESCO to play a more active role in nurturing South Sudan’s cultural potential.
“What is UNESCO doing here in South Sudan? I believe they are here to prepare us to have a good culture to compete in this world.”
The relationship between the Pojulu and Azande communities, while ethnically distinct, is rooted in mutual respect, traditional diplomacy, and shared aspirations for a peaceful and culturally rich South Sudan.
The Azande Kingdom, one of the oldest traditional institutions in the country, has long encouraged inter-community cooperation through cultural diplomacy.
As the Pojulu community continues to revive its cultural practices, the celebration has become a platform not only for entertainment but also for fostering reconciliation, pride, and dialogue a key ingredients for peace building in a country emerging from conflict.
King Atoroba concluded with a blessing of the Azande Kingdom to all the Pojulu community and the entire South Sudanese communities who attended the event.
“May the blessing of the Azande Kingdom be upon all the Pojulu community, and we look forward to hosting you in the future as we continue to celebrate our cultures together every year.”
This year’s Pojulu festival marks another step toward reviving South Sudan’s diverse heritage, offering a compelling reminder that investing in culture is investing in peace.
