Thousands of people attend the Mundari Cultural Festival in Terekeka. (Photo: Madrama James).

Thousands of people in colorful cultural attires marked the Mundari Cultural Festival with dances on Saturday in Terekeka County of Central Equatoria State, as authorities called for peaceful cohesion with neighboring communities.

The event is the first of its kind and is intended to bring about peace and unity among the Mundari people and their neighbors.

Speaking at the occasion, Terekeka Women Association chairlady called for cultural and sports events to sensitize the young people in Terekeka and positively shape their mindset.

Asunta Paul Loku also appealed to the national government to impose strict regulations on imported alcohols, which have been linked to conflicts among young people.

Ms. Paul said the affordable alcoholic products widely present in the South Sudan market are damaging most of the young people in her area.

“Nowadays children, are dying at the tender aged because of disobedience and excessive consumption of alcohols and these are a loss to us mothers. I want them to refrain from these bad practices,” she said.

“To the government; it should impose strict regulations on imported goods that are damaging our children especially at the border points. Our children are being spoil because of imported goods that are manufactured from outside not within the country here.”

On his part, Terekeka Commissioner George Wani Elia urges Mundari Community to embrace peace with its neighbors.

“I want to thank the leadership of Mundari community for the efforts asserted when we had an issue with our neighbors especially in Mundri-East. Their presence managed to restore peace, unity and calmness in the area.”

“Their efforts contributed greatly to bringing peace and unity among the two counties. I want all of you to maintain that spirit so that our sons and daughters from Mundari will live to emulate your great legacy created.”