The Multi-Cultural Festival in Aweil town is facilitated by UNMISS. | Photo: Manh Akoon.

Ethnic groups residing in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State capital Aweil – have organized a cultural dance festival to promote diversity and embrace peaceful co-existence among communities.

The two-day multi-cultural event under the theme; “Unity in Diversity” is underway at Mathiang Playground in Aweil town and will end later on Friday.

It was organized with support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

At the festival, the ethnic groups showcased their arts, traditional music and dances.

Speaking at the event, Governor Tong Akeen Ngor called for peace and unity among South Sudanese in all corners of the country.

“Dear citizens, through you I want to thank the people of other states who are living here and starting from Upper Nile, Eastern Equatoria, Warrap, Western Equatoria, Western Bahr el Ghazal and Unity state, and all states of South Sudan in Aweil” he said.

“I am greeting you and thank you a lot on behalf of the peoples of Northern Bahr el Ghazal for this big participation and I wish all South Sudan will sleep in love and peace.”

The state governor is seen in a video footage dated Thursday, dancing with different cultural groups in Aweil.

On his part, Alfred Zulu, a representative of UNMISS in Aweil town says culture and tradition are important mechanisms for building and promoting peace in South Sudan.

“For the tribal groups of the Nuer, the Shilluk, the Dinka and all those from Warrap state to come and showcase their arts and music, the culture and traditions are the very important mechanism which can be used to build peace and development.”

“It’s for this reason that recognizes to ourselves that the diversity of South Sudanese can be used as a way of promoting peace and unity.”

One of the participants from Western Equatoria State, who resides in Aweil town called for support to such activities, saying they brings harmony among the citizens.

“The sixty-four tribes of the republic of South Sudan have gathered to open the cultural event organized under the ministry of culture, youth and sport with support from UNMISS- CPI in collaboration with the state government of Northern Bahr el Ghazal.”

“This is to build the harmony and peace within the people of the Republic of South Sudan especially the tribes that stay in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to continue supporting peace and the revitalized peace agreement for the betterment of the republic of South Sudan.”

Experts say grassroots peace-building is the only way to sustain harmony and social cohesion among citizens.