Addis Ababa, July 28, 2015 (SSNA) — The office of south Sudan Artists Association in Ethiopia (SSAAE) is hereby announcing to the public that it will be launching peace concert next week in Akobo.
Akobo is adjacent to the Ethiopian border and it is one of the most peaceful counties in the rebel control areas and is inhabited by majority of IDPs who were displaced by the conflict in Bor, Malakal and Unity State.
Paul Ruot Bayoch (AKA – Paul B), the secretary of the association revealed that the event is being organized in concert with the currently established Indigenous Knowledge Center (IKC) in Akobo to boost citizens morale in their quest for peace.
“As we’re hoping for peace to come to the young nation in the next round of talks, its essential to boost citizens’ morale and to restore hope for peace they have lost in the past rounds of peace talks which failed to bear fruits”.
Khor Deng Jang (AKA- Khor dj), the chairman of the association is urging all the warring parties to put the interest of the nation first and negotiate in good faith in the next round of peace talks to be held next week in Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
“I am hereby sending clear message to the warring parties. We want peace, no for war. We need peace to come to south south this time. Enough is enough. You put the interest of the nation first. We’re for peace and we want you to negotiate in good faith. Peace is what we long for and we need it right now!.”
BulBul Dojiok (AKA- LTD), the deputy chairman of the association is urging the international community to exert more pressure on warring parties.
“We, citizens of south Sudan, almost lose hope on international community; we’re finishing ourselves in your watch. You’ve never taken any tough action which can pressure both warring parties to sign peace agreement. Rather, you opted for targeting sanctions which shall never bring any tangible result. Stop barking like a toothless dog. We’re tired of you. We want you to fully pledge to make sure that this agreement is signed”.
Chuol Yien, one of the organizing team and member of the Indigenous Knowledge Center (IKC) said the peace concert will be used as the official launching ceremony for the IKC.
The invitation is extended to international and national NGOs operating in the area, Church leaders, local authority, women association, traditional authority, trade union, Akobo Youth Association and to all residents of the county.
The ceremony will be officially opened by the commissioner of Akobo East County under the SPLM/A-IO Hon. Tut Chot Rial.
Messages of peace will be delivered and famous local artists of the area will be performing thereafter. The prominent artists invited include Paul B, Deng Maroal, Jock Badeng, Gatruop Yian and many others.
The concert will take place on Saturday, 08/August/2015 and the Venue is commissioner’s compound. Time is 1:00 PM to 6: 00 PM.
For more information, contact SSAAE’s Secretary, Paul Ruot Bayoch, at [email protected].