South Sudan’s newly appointed Presidential Envoy for Special Programs, Hon. Adut Salva-Kiir, has said that “peace cannot be won through the barrel of the gun” and called for reconciliation and dialogue among political leaders.
Speaking during her first public address since her appointment, Hon. Adut declared:
“Peace is not merely the absence of war. Peace is the daily bread for our citizens, the right of every child to education, and the dignity of every woman and man to live free from fear. Guns will never build this peace. Only forgiveness, reconciliation, and inclusive dialogue among our leaders will.”
Her remarks come just weeks after President Salva Kiir reminded Parliament that South Sudanese “do not want political statements, they want action.”
The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmond Yakani, welcomed Adut’s statement, describing it as “timely and reflective of the people’s wishes.”
“Your interpretation of peace is exactly what South Sudanese want to hear. But citizens expect more than words. We urge you to walk the talk and reconcile our divided leaders whose disagreements make ordinary people pay the price,” Yakani said.
Yakani further noted that Adut’s message had won her the trust of citizens, adding that her role as a young female leader brings fresh hope for inclusive leadership in South Sudan.
Civil society groups have repeatedly warned that spoilers around senior leaders profit from instability, while ordinary citizens continue to suffer from violence and economic hardship.
CEPO said it is ready to collaborate with Adut’s office to translate her messageinto action for lasting peace.
