The King of the Azande Kingdom, His Majesty Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue, has made a passionate appeal for peace and calm among the warring communities in Tombura County, calling on armed groups to lay down their weapons and embrace dialogue for the sake of unity and development in Western Equatoria State.
Speaking on Saturday during the closing ceremony of the first-ever Azande Kingdom Cultural Festival held at Yambio Freedom Square from October 10—11, His Majesty Atoroba said the Kingdom was restored to promote peace, unity, and cultural pride not to engage in warfare.
“Many people think the Azande Kingdom should respond to the ongoing violence in Tombura, but I want to be clear, this Kingdom was not restored for war. It was restored for peace and unity. The Kingdom does not have guns; we only have arrows and spears for our culture, not for fighting,” King Atoroba said.
The cultural festival, supported by Whittaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI), brought together representatives of different ethnic communities living within the Azande Kingdom. It aimed to foster reconciliation, celebrate cultural diversity, and encourage peace among all tribes.
In a firm yet emotional tone, the King questioned the motives behind the ongoing violence in Tombura County citing that.
“To those who are fighting, I ask who you are fighting against. Is it me, your King, or your own people? What are you fighting to gain?” he said. “The people facing the consequences are your wives, your children, and your families. Please, stop fighting and come back home for dialogue.”
The King further urged elders and local leaders to take responsibility by advising the armed youth to abandon violence and join efforts toward peace building.
“Most homes in Yambio, Nzara, and Ezo belong to both tribes that are now fighting. When people flee Tombura, they run together and live together so why fight each other in the first place? This is not a war; it is confusion that needs attention from the national government,” he emphasized.
Western Equatoria State Deputy Governor Joseph Justin Marona, who represented the state government at the event, echoed the King’s call for peace. He warned that the government will not hesitate to act if the armed groups continue to reject dialogue.
“We have always urged those holding guns to put them down and come for peace talks,” said Marona.
He added “You are not fighting the government you are fighting the spirits of our ancestors. If you continue ignoring our calls, both the state and national governments will use force to restore peace.”
He added that persistent insecurity in Tombura and other areas is derailing government efforts to provide services and development to citizens.
“Our state needs peace to develop, we can’t build roads, schools, or hospitals when our people are hiding in fear because of unnecessary violence,” Marona stressed.
Western Equatoria State Governor Barrister James Altaib Jazz Berapai, who has consistently appealed to armed groups to lay down their weapons, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace through dialogue.
“We have no enemy among our people. Those holding guns should know that peace is the only path to development,” Governor Berapai said in a written statement. “My government remains open to dialogue at all levels to ensure lasting stability in Tombura and across the state.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Mande Daniel, Whittaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI) Program Coordinator in Western Equatoria, used the platform to warn against the dangers of tribalism and hate speech. Drawing parallels with Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, he reminded citizens of the devastating consequences of division.
“We must never allow tribalism to destroy us, we are all South Sudanese, and our diversity is our strength. WPDI will continue supporting all initiatives that promote peace, reconciliation, and unity among our people,” Dr. Mande cautioned.
The Azande Cultural Festival marks a new chapter in the Kingdom’s mission to rebuild harmony among its people after years of conflict and mistrust. Traditional dances, cultural exhibitions, and peace messages dominated the two-day event, sending a strong signal that culture can serve as a powerful tool for reconciliation.
As Western Equatoria continues to grapple with insecurity and displacement, His Majesty Atoroba’s message of unity resonated deeply with many in attendance.
“Let us stop the cycle of violence, let us live as we used to in peace, unity, and harmony to develop our land and leave a legacy of hope for future generations,” the King concluded.
