Several national ministers travelled to the town of Malakal in South Sudan’s Central Upper Nile State where they took part in a peace ceremony on Friday.

President Salva Kiir and opposition groups in September inked the final peace deal under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an east African bloc.

Addressing a crowd of citizens at Freedom Square in Malakal town, National Minster of Information Michael Makuei Lueth said the celebration was a good gesture for cherishing reconciliation and unity among the people of South Sudan.

Makuei urged the people of South Sudan to forget what happened in the past and embrace peace and reconciliation.

Meanwhile, Central Upper Nile governor James Tor Monybuny appealed to his citizens to disseminate peace messages across the state. He said that the celebration was an indication that the peace deal was achieved in the country.

The top state official pointed out that the peace deal is a golden opportunity for the people of South Sudan to live in peace and harmony. The governor reiterated his government’s commitment to implement the peace deal.

Awut Deng Achuil, Minister of Gender and Social Welfare, called on the people of South Sudan to support the implementation of the peace agreement.

A number of opposition officials also attended the peace celebration.