President Kiir Calls for Peace As He Returns To Juba from Arusha

By Benjamin Takpiny

President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Saturday called for peace at home as he begins his tenure as the Chair of the East African Community (EAC).

The President was addressing a mammoth crowd at Juba International Airport upon return from Arusha, the capital of Tanzania.

President Kiir took over the EAC mantle from Burundian President Evariste Ndayshimiye whose tenure has come to an end.

According to the news published by the Presidential Press Unit Facebook page, First Vice President, Dr Riek Machar said President Kiir taking over the EAC chairmanship is a sense of pride for the people of South Sudan.

“It’s a big recognition that he heads the EAC and this is for the first time. We are all happy that we are part of EAC and our President is the chair of this community,” Machar said.

On his part, Vice President for Economic cluster, Dr. James Wani Igga said President Kiir taking over the leadership of the EAC raises the status of South Sudan in the region and beyond.

Meanwhile, Vice President for Service Cluster, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol said the people of South Sudan will fully support peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan in order to achieve complete stability in the entire region.

President Kiir taking over the chairmanship of East African Community portends a great opportunity for regional integration, for prosperity, peace and strategic security.