Juba Set to Host Sixth Derik Cultural Festival as Organisers Champion Peace, Unity and National Reconciliation

By Jenifer James

The University of Juba’s Main Campus in Atlabara is set to host the sixth edition of the Derik Cultural Festival from November 7 to 14, 2026, with organisers seeking to promote peace, unity and national reconciliation through cultural diversity, traditional heritage and artistic expression.

The week-long festival is expected to bring together cultural groups, artists and communities to celebrate South Sudan’s rich cultural heritage while honouring the legacy of the late Derik Uya Alfred, whose lifelong commitment to cultural development in Sudan and South Sudan continues to inspire the annual event.

The festival is sponsored by several partners, including the University of Juba’s School of Arts, Music and Drama, Al Markaz Al-Salam and Norwegian People’s Aid, among others.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Mathiang Cirilo, chairperson of the organising committee, said the annual event was established to honour the legacy of the late Derik Uya Alfred, who dedicated his life to promoting cultural development in Sudan and South Sudan.

Cirilo said the late Alfred believed that culture was a fundamental pillar of nation-building and an important instrument for fostering unity, reconciliation and a shared national identity.

“He devoted his life to positioning culture as a cornerstone of nation-building, fostering unity and reconciliation as essential instruments for realising a national vision that honours our history and celebrates our shared heritage,” Cirilo said.

He said this year’s edition would be held under the theme “Advancing Peace Through Culture,” reaffirming the festival’s commitment to using cultural activities as a platform for promoting peace and development.

“This theme reaffirms our commitment to the vision of our mentor, Derik Alfred, who steadfastly viewed cultural engagement as a bridge to peace, and peace as the essential foundation for progress and prosperity,” Cirilo said.

Cirilo also announced that the festival would honour Professor Peter Adwok Nyaba in recognition of his intellectual contributions to discussions on governance, national reform and peaceful coexistence.

He said Professor Nyaba’s concept of a “House of Nationalities” remained an important framework for building a peaceful society through constructive dialogue and engagement among different communities.

The organising committee chairperson further acknowledged the contributions of partners and sponsors supporting the 2026 edition, saying their involvement was important in making the annual cultural celebration possible.

Cirilo added that the festival’s activities would take place at the University of Juba’s Main Campus from November 7 to 14, with proceedings also broadcast and updated live through the festival’s official social media platforms to allow audiences beyond Juba to follow the celebrations.

The sixth edition is expected to provide a platform for cultural exchange, artistic expression and dialogue, while encouraging South Sudanese communities to embrace their diversity as a foundation for lasting peace, unity and national reconciliation.