South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The Commissioner of Yei River County, Emmanuel Taban Seme, on Tuesday officiated at the opening ceremony of the inter-community peace football tournament at Yei Freedom Square.
“This tournament is a commendable move toward bringing our youth together, I urge all teams to compete peacefully and embody the spirit of unity this event represents,” said Seme.
He said the tournament promises competitive matches but also serves as a symbolic gesture of hope, reflecting the county’s aspirations for a peaceful and cohesive society.
Seme praised local NGO Reconcile International for spearheading peace efforts in the County.
He disclosed that this initiative underscores the role of sports in rebuilding social cohesion in a County that has faced significant challenges due to conflicts.
Mustafa Adam, the Program Officer for Reconcile International, said the football tournament organized in partnership with the Department for Youth, Culture and Sports in the County, will last eight days and it is designed to unite youth from diverse communities across Yei River County.
“By leveraging football, a sport beloved across communities, the organizers hope to create a platform for dialogue and mutual understanding among youth, who are seen as vital to the county’s future stability,” said Adam.
“For now, the focus remains on the youth of Yei River County, whose talents and sportsmanship are lighting the way toward a brighter, more unified tomorrow,” he added.
About eight community teams from Yei River County, Lainya, Morobo, Kajo-Keji, Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Greater Bahr El Ghazel and Greater Upper Nile are taking part in the tournament.
