South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Waure Eddy
The Dinka community in Western Equatoria State has found a home of belonging following the Azande king’s call for uniting all the ethnic groups in the State under his kingdom.
His Majesty Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue the V, king of Azande kingdom on Sunday called for inclusivity and self-belonging of all ethnic groups living in Western Eqiatoria during the 3rd anniversary celebrations of the kingdom held in Bazungua payam, Western Equatoria State.
John Majok, a representative of the Dinka community in Yambio who spoke during the occasion commended the monarch’s message of unity and inclusivity, adding that many different ethnic groups feel part of the kingdom.
“Today, I might say I am not just Dinka anymore, I am also Zande. The love and acceptance we have received from the King means a lot to us,” Majok said.
“Some of our Dinka community members even hold positions in the kingdom, showing that we are one family not divided by tribe,” he added.
Majok emphasized that the active participation of the Dinka community in the organizing committee of the celebrations demonstrates togetherness.
He said the Dinka community partnered with their Zande brothers and sisters to clean Bazungua payam, where the royal palace is set to be built.
“During this preparation we have contributed a lot to support the celebration of our beloved kingdom, I believe that when other tribes will have cultural celebration, the Zande community will also support them. This is the kind of togetherness that we want from all ethnic groups in South Sudan,” said Majok.
He also appreciated President Salva Kiir for restoring the Azande kingdom, acknowledging the role of traditional l
Several representatives of diverse ethnic groups also spoke at the event and called for unity among all the 64 ethnic groups.
“The hospitality we have received from His Majesty Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue has shown us that all tribes belong together,” said a source that preferred not to be named so as to speak freely.
The celebrations were attended by officials from the national government and those from across the 10 states, UN representatives, church leaders, and civil society groups.
