South Sudan Peace Process: South Sudanese refugees in Uganda celebrate cultural diversity
Updated 18:51, 04-Nov-2018
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Various ethnic groups that make up the South Sudanese refugee community living in Uganda have been sharing their cultural diversity. It's part of efforts to foster good relations between former rival tribes. It comes ahead of today's festivities in Juba -- where the country will be celebrating the latest peace deal. CGTN's Hillary Ayesiga reports.
Cultural troupes from South Sudan are using music and dance to promote the importance of peaceful dialogue.
HILLARY AYESIGA KAMPALA, UGANDA "The conflict in South Sudan is largely drawn along tribal lines. These young people believe more cultural interactions like this one could help foster peace."
The festivities have attracted members of the Azande, Dinka and Nuer tribes - all refugees living in Uganda.
ANTHONY ANGELO KUMBONYEKI CHAIRPERSON, SPLM UGANDA CHAPTER "We need to inter-marry, we need cultural diversity. Cultural diversity is the most important thing. That's why I was focusing on that. With that mentality in our brains, we shall have everlasting peace."
Various artists and dance groups have wowed the crowds with their performances. The event comes as South Sudan's rival leaders prepare to come together in Juba to celebrate the signing of the latest peace deal.
MARTIN MANYIEL WUGOL REFUGEE, SOUTH SUDAN "We should give peace a chance because the coming of Dr. Riek Machar and all the opposition groups together is a very turning point or a political milestone for South Sudanese."
These performers are hopeful that such expressions of cultural diversity will improve inter-ethnic relations - a lesson they will be able to take home with them one day. HA, CGTN, K, UG.