Northern Bahr el Ghazal using sports to spread peace

The Northern Bahr el Ghazal State government, in collaboration with a local organisation, has launched a peace and culture competition to mend broken relations among communities.

The Sport for Peace and Culture competition was launched in Aweil, West County, on Saturday.

Speaking during the launch, Garang Athian Deng, Executive Director of Empower Youth Africa Organization, said the competition was designed to engage and develop constructive collaboration between Empower Youngsters Africa and civilian youth.

“It isn’t only a recreational activity. We intended to strengthen our bond through activities such as sports. It’s something that paves the way for community policing in Aweil West County to protect the peace in the area,” he said.

According to Gomjuer’s Paramount Chief, Duang Dhieu Duang, such sporting activities are important to support social growth.

“We need to embrace and work for it. We thank everyone for cheering with us.”

Aterdit, the Acting Youth Chairperson in Aweil West County’s Gomjuer East Payam, urged South Sudanese to group together and strive for the common good.

“This is where you establish social cohesiveness by bringing young people together to learn about themselves and engage.” It is particularly significant that it occurred in Aweil West County, “he stressed.

He urged the younger generation to contribute to society’s betterment.

“Something has to bring people together, and when it does, amazing things happen.” As a result, sports can bring people from all walks of life together, and people can learn about themselves,” Aterdit added.

He added that it was high time for young people to build themselves in a bid to build social cohesion.

“Also, let someone build someone, and this is how social cohesion is built.”

He hailed Empower Youth Africa, a national South Sudanese Organisation, and the State government for their collaboration.

The Empower Youth Africa Organization is promoting the program around the country so that residents can learn more about themselves.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Sweden Sverige provided financial support for the activity.